Urban Land Use in Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Improvement Plans: Background Report and Considered Guidance

Transcription

1 Urban Land Use in Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Improvement Plans: Background Report and Considered Guidance

2 Table of Contents Section 1. Preamble and Content About 1 2. Background Introduction About this Document Reef Rescue A New Era Reef Plans, Reef 2050 Plan and Reef Trust Water Quality Improvement Plans Reef WQIPs Population Growth Legislation, Local Government and the Urban Context Queensland Environmental Legislation Queensland Planning Legislation Commonwealth Legislation Urban Water Quality Issues Pollutant Types and Sources Point Source Diffuse Source Developing and Developed Urban Urban WQIP Framework Lessons from the Townsville (Urban) WQIP Generic Urban WQI Framework Adaptive Management Approach Management Action Focus Urban ABCD Management Practice Classification ABCD Classification System Origins Reef Catchments Urban ABCD Townsville ABCD Urban ABCD Management Practice Classification System Applying ABCD Grades Scoring and Weighting Point Source ABCD Urban WQIP Guidance Context Guidance Parts Putting Urban Land Use in Reef WQIPs Introduction Catchment Characteristics Water Quality Issues, Pressures and Threats Catchment Condition Water Quality and Management Practice Targets Ecosystem Health Targets Water Quality Improvement Options, Costs and Benefits Water Quality Improvement Management Actions Implementation Schedule MERI and Adaptive Management References and Resources 120 Page

3 6. Urban WQIP Guidance Guidance Guidance Legislation and Regulatory Context How Local Government Works Working with Local Government Population Growth and Development Point Source and Diffuse Source Issues National Water Quality Management Strategy Determining WQIP Actions Non Structural Measures Setting Targets Measuring Effectiveness Monitoring and Modelling Resources 133 Appendix A Current Reef WQIP Urban Components Appendix B Townsville (Urban) WQIP Framework Appendix C ABCD Management Practice Framework Progression Appendix D Environmental Values Tables Table 2-1 Reef Rescue WQIP Funding 4 Table 2-2 Non-GBR CCI Projects 10 Table 2-3 Burnett Mary WQIP Catchments 13 Table 2-4 Reef WQIPs Urban Content 14 Table 2-5 Current Environmental Management Legislation 17 Table 2-6 Scheduled EVs and WQOs 21 Table 2-7 SPP Code for Water Quality State Interest 43 Table 2-8 Construction Phase Design Objectives 46 Table 2-9 Post Construction Phase Design Objectives 47 Table 2-10 Urban Pollutants and Sources 56 Table 2-11 Catchments and Water Quality 59 Table 2-12 Pollutants and Land Use 59 Table 2-13 Pollution Generation Rates 60 Table 2-14 Areal Pollutant Generation 61 Table 2-15 Typical Road Related Pollutants 64 Table 3-1 Townsville Urban WQIP Contents 66 Table 4-1 ABCD management practice classes and explanatory notes 71 Table 4-2 Urban Diffuse Water Quality Improvement Implementation Framework 73 Table 4-3 Urban Grading 75 Table 4-4 Draft Local Government Development Regulator/Manager ABCD 77 Table 4-5 Draft Private Sector Development ABCD Classification 84

4 Table 4-6 Draft Public Sector Development/Construction ABCD Classification 87 Table 4-7 Draft Mature Urban ABCD Management Practice Classification 90 Table 4-8 Draft ERA 63 Point Source ABCD Classifications 97 Table 5-1 Urban Guidance Components Location 98 Table 5-2 Environmental Values Description 103 Table 5-3 Townsville WQO Condition Example 106 Table 5-4 Management Practice Targets 108 Table 5-5 Example EMC Water Quality Target 108 Table 5-6 Townsville WSUD Products 113 Table 5-7 Townsville WQIP Enabling and Social Approaches 114 Table 5-8 WQIP Action Areas 116 Table 6-1 Diffuse Source Water Quality Pollutants 126 Table 6-2 Townsville Load Modelling Adopted EMC and DWC Values 129 Table 6-3 Townsville EMC Values 130 Figures Figure 2-1 Reef Plan Figure 2-2 Water Quality Hot Spots 9 Figure 2-3 Reef WQIP Areas 11 Figure 2-4 Terrain NRM Region Catchments and WQIPs 12 Figure 2-5 Projected GBR Urban Population Growth 14 Figure 2-6 Environmental Importance Rating 37 Figure 2-7 Climatic Zones 48 Figure 2-8 Urban Catchments Runoff vs Infiltration 53 Figure 2-9 Urban vs Non-urban Hydrograph 54 Figure 2-10 Physical Processes 58 Figure 2-11 TSS Load Comparison 61 Figure 2-12 TSS Concentration by Land Use 62 Figure 2-13 Total Nitrogen Concentration by Land Use 63 Figure 2-14 Total Phosphorus Concentration by Land Use 63 Figure 3-1 Base Urban Land Use Grouping 67 Figure 3-2 Urban WQI Framework 68 Figure 3-3 Adaptive Loops 69 Figure 4-1 Urban Water Quality Improvement and ABCD System Connections 74 Figure 4-2 Developing Urban Areas ABCD System Components 76 Figure 5-1 Environmental Infrastructure Pressure 100 Figure 5-2 Intensification of Land Use 101 Figure 5-3 Catchment Condition Reporting Example 102 Figure 5-4 Catchment and Waterway Condition Reporting 103 Figure 5-5 WQIP Components Relationships 110 Figure 5-6 Catchment Ecosystem Health Monitoring Framework 117 Figure 5-7 Paddock to Reef Concept 118 Figure 5-8 Adaptive Planning and Management Framework 119 Figure 5-9 Urban Reef-wide Water Quality Improvement Project 120 Figure 6-1 Local Government Organisational Structure Example 122 Figure 6-2 Example Point Source Location Map 125

5 Document Control Version Date Revision Details Typist Author Verifier Approver 9c May 2015 Minor amendments (FBA project) JG JG DL (WbD) RUSMIG Acknowledgements The Reef Urban Stormwater Management Improvement Group (RUSMIG) wish to acknowledge the funding received to further the efforts of the group through the Australian Government s Reef Rescue program, part of the Caring for our Country initiative. Reef Rescue has enable the preparation of this report through Collaboration to the Rescue: Better Reef water quality through smart urban water management (UBP ) managed by Water by Design (part of Healthy Waterways) on behalf of RUSMIG. RUSMIG would also like to acknowledge the collaborative contribution made to the project by Creek to Coral (Townsville City Council) and Water by Design in preparing the Reef Rescue application and undertaking the preliminary management actions required prior to the funding agreement with the Commonwealth being finalised. This report was prepared by John Gunn (Earth Environmental) as a collaborative partner of Creek to Coral on behalf of the Reef Urban Stormwater Management Improvement Group (RUSMIG). This document may be cited as: Gunn, J. 2014, Urban Land Use in Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Improvement Plans: Background Report and Considered Guidance, Reef Urban Stormwater Management Improvement Group (RUSMIG), Water by Design and Creek to Coral, Townsville.

6 1. Preamble and Content 1.1 About Preparing the Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) (2010) provided the experience and lessons required to develop this guidance material to assist regional natural resource management bodies and local government to meaningfully incorporate urban land use in WQIPs. This is not a template for an urban WQIP rather it is a compilation of background information and guidance notes to help readers; gain a better understanding of the context for urban water quality improvement, local government s role in stormwater quality management, the importance of engaging with local government and how through appropriate consultation and collaboration urban land use can be incorporated in WQIPs alongside rural land uses. The key matters discussed in this guide are: Water quality issues associated with urban areas including for; o point sources, o diffuse sources, developing areas - residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure, mature urban areas open space, residential, commercial, industrial and infrastructure. Legislation that influences development approvals and environmental management decisions; Urban water quality improvement management practices associated with; o erosion (prevention) and sediment (movement) control (ESC), o water sensitive urban design (WSUD), o stormwater system management and retrofits, o planning instruments and development assessment processes, o total water cycle and catchment planning, o communications and behavior change, o water quality monitoring, modelling, data storage analysis and reporting, o monitoring, evaluation and adaptive planning and management for improvement. A draft urban ABCD management practice classification and reporting framework; Resources and reference material. Key reference documents drawn on to produce this guidance include: Gunn, J. and Barker, G. 2009, Water Quality Pollutant Types and Sources Report: Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan: Improving Water Quality from Creek to Coral, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville

7 2. Background 2.1 Introduction The Reef Urban Stormwater Management Improvement Group (RUSMIG) was formed in Townsville in 2009: as a follow up to a Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) forum introducing and explaining the draft State Planning Policy (SPP) Healthy Waters; to recognise urban land use as an integral component of the Reef Plan solutions; to integrate urban water quality improvement initiatives with rural initiatives; to investigate regional solutions to urban water quality improvement; to exchange ideas and lessons about local government stormwater quality management; to seek funding for regional and cross catchment urban water quality improvement initiatives. While the release of the draft Healthy Waters SPP (SPP 4/10) was one of the drivers to form the group the urban stormwater management sector was also in need of some assistance to transition to a clean waterways mindfulness and at the same time to learn to manage stormwater infrastructure (especially organic systems) as multi-purpose assets. RUSMIG provides a place for informal and structured discussions and a combined voice for those involved in urban stormwater management at the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) local level. 2.2 About this Document Earth Environmental was engaged by Water by Design (Healthy Waterways) to provide support to local government and natural resource management (NRM) bodies integrating urban matters into Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIP) as a component of the RUSMIG/Water by Design Reef Rescue project titled Collaboration to the rescue. Specific tasks are: Preparation of background information and guidance material, including generic guidelines, to assist NRM bodies incorporate urban land use management practices and partnerships in rural WQIPs; A generic urban ABCD water quality management practice reporting framework considering existing urban models (Townsville and Mackay) and the GBR rural/agricultural ABCD reporting framework; Network building, information sharing and capacity building with NRM bodies and other relevant urban WQIP stakeholders and service providers e.g. Water by Design. This document provides the background and guidance material, including the urban ABCD management practice reporting framework, to guide integration of urban land use in GBR WQIPs. 2.3 Reef Rescue A New Era Until 2013 the Reef Rescue program, a sub component of the Caring for our Country initiative, focused exclusively on agricultural land use to improve water quality. This effectively excluded urban and peri-urban land uses from Reef Rescue funding, as a low priority. In 2013 urban land use was recognised through the Reef Rescue program as a significant contributor to water quality issues in the Great Barrier Reef catchment with funding committed for urban water quality improvement planning and on-ground works (see text box below). The second phase of Reef Rescue ( ) builds on the success of the first phase of the program. It will continue to support activities to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef by helping - 2 -

8 agricultural land managers across the reef catchment adopt improved land management practices that will reduce the discharge of nutrients, sediments and pesticides into the reef lagoon. The next phase of Reef Rescue will support a broad range of managers and researchers across the Great Barrier Reef catchment, including in urban areas, to address the threats of declining water quality and climate change to the reef. Reef Rescue ( ) will focus on six integrated components; the first two of which are covered by these guidelines: 1. Water Quality Grants and Partnerships to increase the voluntary uptake of improved land management practices by landholders that will reduce the discharge of nutrients, sediments and chemicals into the Great Barrier Reef. 2. Systems Repair and Urban Grants. The Biodiversity Fund will support Reef Rescue by investing $40 million over the next five years to increase the Great Barrier Reef s resilience to climate change. Funding will be available for wetland, riparian and mangrove protection, and restoration projects. A further $10 million of Caring for our Country funding will support planning and on-ground projects to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef from highly developed areas of the reef catchment. 3.Water Quality Monitoring and Reporting and Research and Development (R&D) 4. Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) Control 5. Land and Sea Country Partnerships 6. Critical operational support for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) (Aust. Govt., pp.9-10) To date, Reef Rescue has focused on improving water quality by assisting land managers to adjust their agricultural practices. While further improvements in land management practices will continue to increase the health and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef, over the next five years Reef Rescue will also invest in a range of complementary, strategic systems repair activities that improve the quality of water run-off from agricultural, urban and industrial lands into the Great Barrier Reef. This $50 million component will be for system repair and urban water quality projects that will help improve the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef. Funding under this Systems Repair and Urban Grants component will be available for planning and/or on-ground projects. Applicants may include both a water quality planning component and on-ground systems repair component in the one project. Up to $40 million from the Biodiversity Fund will support Reef Rescue systems repair projects, for example wetland restoration works and mangrove repair. A further $10 million will support urban water projects with a focus on planning in the initial year of the program. Future funding rounds will be run to respond to the outcomes of the strategic assessments of the Great Barrier Reef region currently being undertaken by the Australian and Queensland Governments and build on the planning undertaken through this round of funding. (p.14) Systems repair and urban water quality planning grants ( ) Through the application of the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) the Australian Government is working in collaboration with states and territories to develop Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIP) to reduce pollution being released into the Australian marine environment, including the Great Barrier Reef. In the first year of the second phase of Reef Rescue, investment will be directed towards developing, updating and integrating WQIPs that help to improve the water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef. (p.15) Systems repair and urban water quality on-ground grants ( to ) Through these guidelines the on-ground component will be aimed at funding activities that improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from urban and industrial areas and through improving the condition and extent of biodiverse native habitats in the Great Barrier Reef catchments. The Australian Government invites applications for multi-year funding for projects to be delivered over a period of up to five years from Projects must be completed by (pp.15-16) The Australian Government may allocate only a portion of the available funds for the Systems Repair and - 3 -

9 Urban Grants through this funding round and advertise opportunities for future funding rounds. Future funding rounds will respond to the outcomes of the strategic assessments of the Great Barrier Reef region currently being undertaken by the Australian and Queensland Governments and build on the planning funded through this round of funding. (p.20) Note: Source of the above information is the Reef Rescue : Applicant guidelines and how to apply (Caring for our County initiative 2013) Organisations with projects funded under the two components of the 2013 System repairs and urban water quality Reef Rescue round are shown in Table 2-1. Table 2-1 Reef Rescue WQIP Funding WQIP area and/or NRM region Organisation Systems Repair - Planning Systems Repair - OG Great Barrier Reef catchments Water by Design (Healthy Yes No Waterways, SEQ) for RUSMIG Wet Tropics Terrain NRM Yes No Black Ross (Townsville) Townsville City Council (Creek No No to Coral) Burdekin NQ Dry Tropics No Yes Mackay Whitsunday Reef Catchments Yes Yes x5 Burnett Mary BMRG Yes Yes x2 Fitzroy Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA No Yes x2 Total $3,029,000 Note: OG is on ground. RUSMIG is Reef Urban Stormwater Management Improvement Group. SEQ is South East Queensland. NQ Dry Tropics and FBA have since been funded to review and update their WQIPs. It is worth noting that the only urban WQIP i.e. Townsville, did not receive any funding under the Reef Rescue System repairs and urban water quality round, to either update the Townsville WQIP i.e. Planning component, or to continue implementation of the Townsville WQIP system repair actions i.e. On-ground component. It is assumed that this oversight was due in part to the WQIP being developed by a local government rather than a regional NRM body. Any organisations, apart from regional NRM bodies, were excluded from previous Reef Rescue funding rounds and therefore Creek to Coral/Townsville City Council did not have a track record for Reef Rescue delivery when the urban funding round was announced. 2.4 Reef Plans, Reef 2050 Plan and Reef Trust With the change of Australian Government in September 2013, the delivery arrangements for Reef Plan were reviewed and new processes put in place. This was in line with the policy position announced prior to the 2013 Federal election. The key outcomes of the new Reef policy are: Development of a Reef 2050 Plan; Establishment and operation of the Reef Trust. The Reef Trust will deliver funding to address key threats to the Great Barrier Reef and in essence replaces (and incorporates) the previous Caring for our Country Reef Rescue program. Interim funding was announced under the Reef Trust in July 2014 including the Reef 2050 initiatives announced during the election (see text box below). The Reef Trust was announced as part of the Australian Government s Reef 2050 election commitment. It will include: Long-term improvement in water quality and coastal habitats in the reef catchments. Support for the control of crown-of-thorns starfish. A Dugong and Turtle Protection Plan to provide greater protection of marine turtles and dugongs, including support for: marine debris cleanup activities the Cairns and Fitzroy Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centres a specialised Indigenous ranger programme for marine conservation and for strengthened enforcement and compliance an Australian Crime Commission investigation into the practice of illegal killing, poaching - 4 -

10 and transportation of turtle and dugong meat. Additional to the committed investments, the Reef Trust will invest in projects to improve coastal habitat and water quality along the reef and will deliver offsets required under environmental approvals to address impacts associated with permitted activities. Note: Source of the above information was the Reef Trust Discussion Paper (Commonwealth of Australia 2014) available at (downloaded May 2014) The development of the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan and the strategic investment approach for Reef Trust will be informed by the latest peer-reviewed scientific information and studies, existing planning systems and policies and outcomes of previous and ongoing investments. Some of the key studies and planning documents are discussed below and include: The Reef Water Quality Protection Plan 2013; The strategic assessments and Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report 2014; 2013 Scientific Consensus Statement; Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIPs) Reef Plan evolution A report released by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) in 2001 was the catalyst for the first Reef Plan. The report, Great Barrier Reef catchment water quality action plan: A report to Ministerial Council on targets for pollutant loads (Brodie et al 2001) (the GBR Action Plan), opened with a hard hitting statement i.e. Decades of scientific research and evaluation has now clearly and unequivocally established that land use activities in the catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef are directly contributing to a decline in water quality (Brodie et al 2001, p.i). The first Reef Plan (The State of Queensland and Commonwealth of Australia 2003) was prepared as an initial response to the GBR Action Plan (see text box below) with the long title of Reef Water Quality Protection Plan; for catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (see Figure 2-1. Figure 2-1 Reef Plan

11 In order to address the decline in water quality entering the Reef, the Australian and Queensland Governments worked in partnership with a wide range of industry and community groups to develop the Reef Water Quality Protection Reef Plan (Reef Plan). The goal of the Reef Plan, which was launched in December 2003, is to halt and reverse the decline in water quality entering the Reef within 10 years. The Reef Plan's focus areas are addressing the factors that affect water quality through: improving decision making in landuse planning [1] adopting sustainable production systems [2] rehabilitating damaged wetland and riparian areas [3] conserving existing wetland and riparian areas. [4] Reef Plan participants The responsibility for implementing these strategies and actions is shared by all Reef Plan participants - government agencies, industry groups, regional natural resource management bodies, land managers, Indigenous people and community groups. The success of the Reef Plan will depend largely on the integration and co-ordination of activity by these participants. It is intended that many of the strategies and actions in the Reef Plan will be implemented under the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality (NAPSWQ) and the Natural Heritage Trust programs (the Trust). The scope of the Reef Plan The Reef Plan addresses diffuse sources of pollution from broadscale land use. It does not deal with urban development or urban diffuse sources of pollution, or point sources of pollution such as sewage, waste from ore processing, mining or aquaculture. These are dealt with separately under a range of legislation, regulations and strategies. Source: (Download version last reviewed 15 December 2006) It is interesting to note that three of the four focus areas (1, 3 and 4) are directly related to coastal development and urban areas however local government is not included in Reef Plan participants and urban areas are excluded from The scope of Reef Plan. This seems at odds with the eight Reef Plan strategy areas, which all include local government. Strategy D (Planning for Natural Resource Management and Land Use) in particular was highly inclusive of local government and the potential use of legislative and planning processes including; 1. Ensure Commonwealth, State and Local Government planning processes in Reef catchments are consistent with the goal and objectives of the RWQPP ; 4. Promote development of Local Water Quality Improvement Plans to local governments and Regional NRM Bodies, in high-risk high-priority catchments and give priority to their development and implementation where catchment communities have an interest and capacity to develop plans of a suitable standard ; 7. Review current planning instruments and develop new planning or statutory instruments as appropriate to ensure that agricultural activities that may have a significant adverse impact on Reef water quality (including construction of drains and levee banks that may damage coastal wetland hydrology, structure and functioning) are assessable. (Reef Plan 2003, p.17-18) The potential for an offsets policy for riparian and wetland areas of State and regional significance to water quality was also suggested in Strategy D. Reef Plan was updated in The main objectives to achieve its goals were the same as Reef Plan 2003: Reduce the pollutant load from non-point sources in the water entering the Reef; and Rehabilitate and conserve areas of the Reef catchment that have a role in removing water borne pollutants

12 The participants and scope of Reef Plan 2009 remained the same as for The structure however was different to 2003 with three priority work areas containing 11 key actions. Reef Plan 2009 was an umbrella plan designed to integrate and coordinate GBR water quality improvement action by government agencies and a wide range of industry and community groups; however it did not include any measures to address urban diffuse water quality issues and had less reference to local government involvement than the 2003 edition. (Note: Reef Plan 2009 information is from the Townsville WQIP (p.8) and /rwqpp.shtm, last reviewed 31 August 2009 when downloaded) As indicated in the most recent iteration of Reef Plan 2013 the water quality improvement scope will continue to focus on broad scale land use in priority areas identified through a water quality relative risk assessment undertaken in 2012 and However, the scope of Reef Plan 2013 was expanded in the 2013 iteration with urban land use and coastal development recognised as a contributing factor to Reef water quality decline requiring attention. Notable urban references from Reef Plan 2013 are highlighted in the text box below. Scope Reef Plan s primary focus is to continue addressing diffuse source pollution from broadscale land use. The latest modelling and monitoring supports previous research which indicates that the vast majority of loads of sediment, nutrients and herbicides are derived from diffuse agricultural sources (Figure 2), in particular dryland grazing and sugarcane4. Therefore, Reef Plan 2013 remains predominantly focused on working with landholders to address diffuse sources of pollution from broadscale land use. Other sources of pollution also need to be managed such as urban stormwater runoff, sewage, industrial pollution and water releases from mines. For point sources of pollution, regulatory and other requirements are already in place to manage discharge and runoff through legislation, policies and conditions on environmental approvals. Major improvements have also been made to minimise water quality impacts from urban areas, for example through major investments to upgrade sewage treatment plants, which now contribute less than four per cent of the total nutrients to the reef. The primary focus of this plan on diffuse source pollution from broadscale land use will be complemented by some foundational work over the next five years to further reduce diffuse source pollution from urban environments. Incorporated into this plan are a number of actions that integrate with other water quality issues such as urban runoff and coastal and riverine ecosystem health

13 Figure 2: Sources of pollution (Reef Plan 2013, p.11) Great Barrier Reef Strategic Assessment The Great Barrier Reef (GBR) Strategic Assessment includes reports prepared by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Queensland Government. The main GBRMPA reports are: Program Report - containing a detailed description of the Authority's management arrangements, including future commitments, to protect and manage matters of national environmental significance, including the Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. Great barrier Reef Region Strategic Assessment Report (see text box below) The comprehensive strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef analyses impacts affecting the Region, from activities on the land and on the water. The Authority is responsible for undertaking the marine component which is presented in this strategic assessment report. The Queensland Government is leading development of the strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef coastal zone. (p.1-9) The key findings that are relevant to coastal development from the Queensland Government - Draft Strategic Assessment Report include: The GBR coastal zone has a population of almost one million and supports a diverse range of activities including farming and tourism and resource exports through its ten trading ports; The largest influences on the future for matters of national environmental significance (MNES) are systemic long term and chronic impacts including climate change, poor water quality and impacts from previous broadscale clearing. There are a range of site specific impacts from urban, industrial and port development which add to the cumulative impact on MNES; Poor water quality is one of the most significant issues for the reef. The decline in water quality from catchment runoff is the major reason for the poor state of many key ecosystems; Impacts of additional urban, port and industrial development include further loss and fragmentation of habitat and poor water quality. Compared to impacts from land clearing and broadscale agriculture, these impacts are localised and less significant Scientific Consensus Statements Scientific consensus statements usually precede Reef Plan updates and help inform the direction of the following Reef Plan. The 2013 report was not encouraging despite improvements in some areas as The overarching consensus is that key Great Barrier Reef ecosystems are showing declining trends in condition due to continuing poor water quality, cumulative impacts of climate change and increasing intensity of extreme events. (p.1) 2.5 Water Quality Improvement Plans Through the application of the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) the Australian Government is working in collaboration with States and Territories to develop Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIP) to reduce pollution being released into aquatic ecosystems with high ecological, social and/or recreational values across the country. Amongst other matters WQIPs identify the most cost-effective and timely projects for investment by all parties including the Australian Government, State and Local Governments, and community and environment groups. A WQIP provides an ecosystem based approach to integrated water cycle management, supported by science to: Engage state, local government, NRM groups and cooperatively prepare a WQIP and implement interim projects; Resolve major impediments to Water Quality planning and management through a catchment management based approach; Address the key priority threats to water quality and environmental flows, and establishing methods to continuously improve management knowledge and systems; and Establish governance arrangements that ensure all relevant stakeholders are party to WQIP implementation

14 Implement catchment based management actions, including control of point and diffuse sources. Elements of a water quality improvement plan can include: The identification of Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives; Water quality monitoring; Predictive modelling; Decision Support Systems/tools; Water Sensitive Urban Design; Market Based Instruments; Agricultural Best Management Practice; Ramsar wetland Ecological Character Description; Acid Sulfate Soils Mapping. (Source: Coastal Catchments Initiative The Coastal Catchments Initiative (CCI) was an Australian Government funded program aimed at achieving targeted reductions in pollution discharges to coastal water quality hot pots. Hot spots (see Figure 2-2), are defined as having all of the following characteristics: Aquatic ecosystem with high ecological, social, cultural and/or recreational values; Encompasses one or more matters of national environmental significance and is defined under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; Is under pressure as a result of population growth and development, disturbance of acid sulfate soils, and water quality decline; and Is suffering ecosystem disturbance leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline. Figure 2-2 Water Quality Hot Spots Note: Source is for the map and hot spot characteristics above. Amongst other projects the CCI supported the development and implementation of Water Quality Improvement Plans (WQIPs) in accordance with the Australian Government s Framework for Marine and - 9 -

15 Estuarine Water Quality Protection. The Framework is based on the NWQMS and the National Principles for the Provision of Water for Ecosystems Non-GBR WQIPs A number of WQIPs were developed for hot spots around Australian (see Figure 2-2) prior to the funding of the majority of the Great Barrier Reef WQIPs under the CCI. Many of the non-gbr WQIPs included a large urban component in their catchments with receiving waters often being enclosed or semi-enclosed e.g. estuaries, lakes and bays. CCI funded projects, including the non-gbr WQIPs, are listed in Table 2-2. Table 2-2 Non-GBR CCI Projects Hotspot WQIP WSUD Mon Mod DSS AgBMP ECD ASS MBI Moreton Bay (Queensland) Great Lakes (NSW) Corner Inlet (Victoria) Port Phillip Bay and Western Port (Victoria) Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary (WA) Swan Canning Estuary System (WA) Vasse Wonnerup and- Geographe Bay (WA) Port Waterways (SA) Derwent Estuary (Tasmania) Darwin Harbour (NT) Hunter River Estuary (NSW) Botany Bay (NSW) Gippsland Lakes (Victoria) Coorong, Lake Alexandrina and Albert Wetlands (SA) Adelaide Coastal Waters (SA) Notes: Source is CCI project type: WQIP is water quality improvement plan. WSUD is water sensitive urban design. Mon is water quality monitoring. Mod is water quality pollutant modelling. DSS is decision support system/tools. AgBMP is agricultural best management practice (guidelines). ECD is ecological character description (baseline definition). ASS is acid sulphate soil mapping. MBI is market based instrument application Queensland South East Queensland Healthy Waterways Strategy is an integrated set of Action Plans which aim to maintain and improve the health of the waterways and catchments of South East Queensland. The strategy incorporates the Moreton Bay Water Quality Improvement Plan, the preparation of which has been jointly funded by the Australian Government and the SEQ Healthy Waterways Partnership. (Source: SEQ Healthy Waterways Strategy Summary) Other states WQIPs were prepared for NSW (1), Victoria (2), Western Australia (3), South Australia (1) and Tasmania (1) and generally included urban and rural components as listed in Table 2-2. Consideration was given to reviewing the WQIPs from other states as input to this report however the lessons may not be relevant to WQIPs in the GBR catchment due to the different climatic regimes, focus on enclosed receiving water types, variable demographics and, most importantly, the legislative context. 2.6 Reef WQIPs The development of WQIPs was emphasised in Reef Plan 2003 and the receiving waters of the GBR lagoon are considered to be a hot spot under the Coastal Catchments Initiative (CCI). Reef WQIPs were prepared between 2002 and 2011 through funding provided by the Australian Government under the CCI. WQIPs were prepared for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment areas shown in Figure 2-3. Characteristics of the Reef WQIPs by NRM region from north to south are discussed briefly below with an indication of the level of urban content in the WQIPs provided in Table 2-4 with additional detail provided in Appendix A

16 Figure 2-3 Reef WQIP Areas

17 2.6.1 Wet Tropics The Wet Tropics region (managed by Terrain NRM, previously FNQ NRM) covers the coastal catchments from the Endeavour River in the north to the Herbert River catchment (Ingham) in the south and includes the majority of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. Three WQIPs have been prepared for the Wet Tropics NRM region to date (February 2014) (see Figure 2-4). Figure 2-4 Terrain NRM Region Catchments and WQIPs

18 The Douglas WQIP was the first (commenced 2002) Reef WQIP to be completed and included the iconic Daintree River catchment. The Douglas Shire was chosen to for the first WQIP due to the willingness of the Douglas Shire Council and community to adapt to change and protect and improve its environment. The land use focus of the Douglas WQIP was intensive agriculture i.e. sugar cane. Preparation of the Douglas WQIP commenced before the release of Reef Plan (2003) and was completed with the release of the final WQIP in November The main urban areas within the Douglas WQIP area are Mossman and Port Douglas. Terrain NRM has been tasked with the implementation of the Douglas WQIP. The Tully Murray WQIP and Barron River and Trinity Inlet WQIP (Barron/Trinity) were prepared by Terrain NRM and published in The Tully Murray WQIP is essentially an agriculture based plan while the Barron/Trinity has a significant urban component i.e. Cairns and Cairns northern beaches (see Appendix A) Black Ross (Townsville) Information and lessons from the urban focused Townsville WQIP are proved in section Burdekin The Burdekin NRM region covers the large Burdekin River catchment, the smaller Haughton River catchment and the Townsville coastal catchments from Crystal Creek to Cape Cleveland as well as the coastal catchments from Home Hill to Bowen including the southernmost Don River catchment. The Burdekin WQIP, covering an area of 130,000km², was published in 2009 and deals with water quality associated with agricultural land uses and particularly grazing, sugarcane production and horticulture Mackay Whitsunday Isaacs The Mackay Whitsunday Isaacs NRM region covers the coastal catchments from Bowen (north) to Flaggy Rock Creek (south) encompassing the old Whitsundays (Proserpine), Mackay and Sarina catchment management areas. The Mackay Whitsunday WQIP was published in 2008 and took an innovative approach to measuring progress through the development of the ABCD management practice framework. This included a draft urban ABCD management practice framework developed with the involvement of Creek to Coral (Townsville WQIP) and Mackay region local government. While the main focus of the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP is sugar cane production management practices it also has grazing, horticulture and urban implementation actions. Urban implementation actions are generally identified as being the responsibility of local government given the lack of funding available at the time for urban land uses from Reef Rescue (see Appendix A) Fitzroy The Fitzroy NRM region covers Fitzroy River Basin and associated coastal catchments from Flaggy Rock Creek to Baffle Creek (142,600 km²). The focus of the land based management practices for water quality improvement in the Central Queensland Strategy for Sustainability (CQSS) is grazing. Due to the extensive consultation and science imbedded in the CQSS the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) did not prepare a WQIP however they did prepare a WQI Report designed to align water quality improvement activities in the regional NRM plan i.e. CQSS, with cross regional programs and activities associated with the Reef wide WQIPs Burnett Mary The Burnett Mary NRM region covers the coastal catchments from Baffle Creek to the Mary River (Gympie). Three WQIPs have been prepared for the Burnett Mary region as indicated in Table 2-3. Table 2-3 Burnett Mary WQIP Catchments Water Quality Improvement Plan / Draft Burnett/Baffle Burrum (Draft) Mary (Draft) Catchments covered in plan Baffle Basin, Kolan, Burnett and Elliott Burrum, Isis, Gregory and Cherwell Mary

19 A summary of the Reef WQIPs (by NRM region from north to south) with an indication of the level of urban content is provided in Table 2-4. Table 2-4 Reef WQIPs Urban Content WQIP NRM region Prepared by/delivery Land use Urban Focus Secondary content Douglas Wet Tropics Douglas Shire (2006) Sugar cane Horticulture Low /Terrain NRM Barron/Trinity Wet Tropics Terrain NRM (2009) Sugar cane Grazing Medium Tully/Murray Wet Tropics Terrain NRM (2009) Sugar cane Horticulture Low Black Ross Burdekin Creek to Coral (2010) Urban Peri-urban and High (Townsville) Townsville City Council grazing Burdekin Burdekin NQ Dry Tropics (2009) Grazing, sugar cane Horticulture Low Mackay Mackay Mackay Whitsunday Sugar Cane Grazing and Medium Whitsunday Whitsunday NRM (2008) horticulture Fitzroy WQI Fitzroy Fitzroy Basin Association Grazing Cropping and Low report (2009) mining Burnett- Burnett Mary Burnett Mary Regional Grazing Sugar cane and Low - Baffle Group (2009) horticulture Medium Burrum (Draft) Burnett Mary Burnett Mary Regional Group and Wide Bay Grazing, sugar cane Horticulture cropping, forestry Low Water (2008) Mary (Draft) Burnett Mary Burnett Mary Regional Group and Wide Bay Water (2008) Grazing Intensive agriculture, forestry Low 2.7 Population Growth Projected population growth for the main urban centres in the GBR catchment is illustrated in Figure 2-5. Population growth translates to an expansion of the urban footprint and provision of associated infrastructure. This places pressure on the coastal zone, where the majority of urban expansion occurs in the GBR catchment. Figure 2-5 Projected GBR Urban Population Growth The implications of coastal development and the urban footprint are therefore the main focus of urban WQIPs. A good understanding of Queensland legislative is needed to place urban land use and coastal development in context

20 2.8 Legislation, Local Government and the Urban Context The majority of urban development in regional Queensland occurs within 20 kilometres of the coast. This concentrated growth demographic, population increase in general and an increasing awareness of environmental issues associated with population pressures has resulted in a proliferation of environmental legislation designed to reduce the risk of environmental harm associated with human activities including rapidly expanding urban areas and associated infrastructure. Queensland legislation (Acts only by enactment year) relevant to coastal development, environmental protection and/or water quality management is listed below: State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971; Nature Conservation Act 1992; Environmental Protection Act 1994; Fisheries Act 1994; Land Act 1994; Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995; Vegetation Management Act 1999; Integrated Planning Act 2000 (superseded 2009); Water Act 2000; Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003; Marine Parks Act 2004; Sustainable Planning Act 2009; Environmental Offsets Act 2014; Legislation relevant to coastal development and urban land use is prepared and administered by the State and Commonwealth governments while implementation of the legislation is often devolved to local government to implement at the ground level. Local government however is not generally provided with adequate additional resources to administer or enforce the obligations devolved to it Local Government Act 2009 Local government derives its authority and assumed roles from the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) (LG Act), which defines the way in which a local government is constituted and the nature and extent of its responsibilities and powers (LG Act, p.17). Some relevant extracts from the Act are included in the text box below. 4 Local government principles underpin this Act (1) To ensure the system of local government is accountable, effective, efficient and sustainable, Parliament requires (a) anyone who is performing a responsibility under this Act to do so in accordance with the local government principles; and (b) any action that is taken under this Act to be taken in a way that (i) is consistent with the local government principles; and (ii) provides results that are consistent with the local government principles, in as far as the results are within the control of the person who is taking the action. (2) The local government principles are (a) transparent and effective processes, and decision-making in the public interest; and (b) sustainable development and management of assets and infrastructure, and delivery of effective services; and (c) democratic representation, social inclusion and meaningful community engagement; and (d) good governance of, and by, local government; and (e) ethical and legal behaviour of councillors and local government employees. (LG Act, p.18) 9 Powers of local governments generally (1) A local government has the power to do anything that is necessary or convenient for the good rule and local government of its local government area. (LG Act, p.20)

21 Note Also, see section 262 (Powers in support of responsibilities) for more information about powers. (2) However, a local government can only do something that the State can validly do. (LG Act, p.21) 12 Responsibilities of councillors (1) A councillor must represent the current and future interests of the residents of the local government area. (LG Act, p.22) Division 2 Making, recording and reviewing local laws 28 Power to make a local law (1) A local government may make and enforce any local law that is necessary or convenient for the good rule and local government of its local government area. (LG Act, p.40) Part 3 Roads and other infrastructure 60 Control of roads (1) A local government has control of all roads in its local government area. (LG Act, p.59) Division 2 Stormwater drains 76 What this division is about (1) This division is about stormwater drains and stormwater installations. (2) A stormwater drain is a drain, channel, pipe, chamber, structure, outfall or other works used to receive, store, transport or treat stormwater. (3) A stormwater installation for a property (a) is any roof gutters, downpipes, subsoil drains or stormwater drain for the property; but (b) does not include any part of a local government s stormwater drain. 77 Connecting stormwater installation to stormwater drain (1) A local government may, by written notice, require the owner of a property to connect a stormwater installation for the property to the local government s stormwater drain in the way, under the conditions and within the time stated in the notice. (2) The way, condition and time stated in the notice must be reasonable in the circumstances. (LG Act, p.73) 78 No connecting sewerage to stormwater drain (1) The owner of a property must not connect the sewerage installation for property, or allow the sewerage installation for the property to be connected, to any part of (a) the stormwater installation for the property; or (b) the stormwater drain of the local government. (LG Act, p.74) 80 Interference with path of stormwater (1) A person must not restrict or redirect the flow of stormwater over land in a way that may cause the water to collect and become stagnant. Maximum penalty 165 penalty units. (2) However, this section does not apply to water collected in a dam, wetland, tank or pond, if no offensive material is allowed to accumulate. (LG Act, p.78) sustainable development is development that is designed to meet present needs while also taking into account future costs (including costs to the environment and the depletion of natural resources, for example). (LG Act, p.281)

22 2.9 Queensland Environmental Legislation The Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) is the principal piece of environmental legislation for Queensland. The object or intent of the EP Act is to protect Queensland s environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends (ecologically sustainable development) (EP Act, p.41). Queensland s principal environmental management legislation is listed in Table 2-5. Table 2-5 Current Environmental Management Legislation Act and Subordinate Legislation E Effective Environmental Offsets Act Environmental Offsets Regulation Environmental Offsets (Transitional) Regulation Environmental Protection Act Environmental Protection (Air) Policy Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy Environmental Protection Regulation Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation Environmental Protection (Water) Policy Environmental Protection Act 1994 The purpose (object) of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) is to protect Queensland s environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life, both now and in the future, in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends (ecologically sustainable development). (EP Act, p.41 current at 13 June 2014) The EP Act binds all persons, including the State, (EP Act, p.51) and emphasises everyone s responsibility for the environment, including water quality, through a general duty of care not to cause environmental harm (see text box below). 319 General environmental duty (1) A person must not carry out any activity that causes, or is likely to cause, environmental harm unless the person takes all reasonable and practicable measures to prevent or minimise the harm (the general environmental duty). (2) In deciding the measures required to be taken under subsection (1), regard must be had to, for example (a) the nature of the harm or potential harm; and (b) the sensitivity of the receiving environment; and (c) the current state of technical knowledge for the activity; and (d) the likelihood of successful application of the different measures that might be taken; and (e) the financial implications of the different measures as they would relate to the type of activity. (EP Act, p.246) The chapter following the introductory chapter of the EP Act is about the making and implementation of environmental protection policies. An environmental protection policy may be made about the environment or anything that affects or may affect the environment (EP Act, p.52). Environmental protect policies (EPP) have been made for; Air (2008), Noise (2008), and Water (2009) (see section and Table 2-5). The main components of the EP Act that relate to coastal development, urban land use and water quality impacts include:

23 Environmental impact statements (Chapter3); Great Barrier Reef protection measures - agricultural activities (Chapter 4A); Environmentally relevant activities (Chapter 5); Environmental management (Chapter 7) including; o Environmental duties including duty to notify environmental harm, o Environmental evaluations and audits, o Temporary emission licences, o Environmental protection notices, o Direction notices, o Clean up and cost recovery notices, o Contaminated land and notifiable activities (Schedule 3 definition). Environmental offences (Chapter 8); Devolution of powers (Chapter 11); Making of guidelines and Regulations (Chapter 12) Environmentally relevant activities Section 18 (EP Act. p.49) defines the meaning of environmentally relevant activity (ERA) in terms of the EP Act as: An agricultural ERA (EP Act, Chapter 4A Great Barrier Reef protection measures, pp.81-98) consists of commercial sugar cane growing, or cattle grazing carried out on an agricultural property of more than 2,000 hectares in a priority catchment i.e. Wet Tropics, Mackay Whitsunday and the Burdekin dry tropics catchments (EP Act, section 75, pp.81-2); A resource activity (EP Act, Chapter 5 Environmental authorities and environmentally relevant activities, pp ) consists of; a geothermal activity, a greenhouse gas (GHG) storage activity, a mining activity, or a petroleum activity (EP Act, section 107, p.99); A prescribed activity (EP Act, section 19) (see Environmental Protection Regulation 2008). In general terms an environmentally relevant activity (ERA) will or may result in a contaminant being released into the environment that will or may cause environmental harm (when the activity is carried out) (EP Act section 19, p.49). Agricultural ERAs and resource activities are dealt with in the EP Act and are generally not relevant to urban areas. Prescribed activities are dealt with in the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 and include point source emitters such as wastewater (sewage) treatment plants i.e. the main ERA that potentially discharges pollutants to receiving waters from urban centres Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 The Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Reg.) provides the detail to complement the concepts introduced in the EP Act. This includes: The list of prescribed ERAs in Schedule 2, consisting of 13 Parts and 64 individual ERAs (EP Reg., pp ); Codes of environmental compliance (EP Reg., Schedule 3, p.189); Approved eligibility criteria for environmentally relevant activities (EP Reg., Schedule 3A, pp.193-4); Matters relating to environmental management and environmental offences (EP Reg., Chapter 5, pp.37-47) including; o Prescribed water contaminants (Part 4, p.42 and Schedule 9, pp.214-5) (see text box below); o Regulated waste and waste that is not regulated waste (Part 1, pp.37-8 and Schedule 7, pp ); o Wetland environmental values (Part 7, pp.45-6); Devolution of powers to local government (EP Reg., Chapter 7, Part 1, pp.59-61) (see text box below); Environmental impact statements (EIS) process and content requirements (EP Reg., Chapter 2, pp and Schedule 1, pp.122-5); National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) (EP Reg., Chapter 6, pp.47-59) reporting requirements and emission estimation techniques; Fertiliser application and document requirements for agricultural ERAs (EP Reg., Chapter 3, Part 1A, pp.23-4); Definitions and extended definitions (EP Reg., Schedule 12, pp )

24 Chapter 7 Administration, Part 1 Devolution of powers Division 1 Matters devolved to local government 98 Environmental nuisance The administration and enforcement of the following provisions of the Act is devolved to each local government for its local government area (a) section 440; (b) section 443, to the extent it relates to environmental nuisance.(p.59) 99 Noise standards The administration and enforcement of the following provisions of the Act is devolved to each local government for its local government area (a) section 440Q; (b) chapter 8, part 3B, division Water contamination The administration and enforcement of chapter 8, part 3C of the Act is devolved to each local government for its local government area. 101 Particular prescribed ERAs (1) The administration and enforcement of the Act in relation to the following prescribed ERAs is devolved to a prescribed local government where the activity is, or is to be, carried out in its local government area (a) each of the following prescribed ERAs (i) asphalt manufacturing; (ii) plastic product manufacturing; (iii) metal forming; (b) each of the following prescribed ERAs carried out within the stated threshold mentioned for the activity (i) metal recovery, for (A) recovering less than 100t of metal in a day; or (B) recovering, without using a fragmentiser, 100t or more of metal in a day or 10000t or more of metal in a year; (p.60) (ii) surface coating, for anodising, electroplating, enamelling or galvanising using 1t to 100t of surface coating materials in a year; (iii) waste incineration and thermal treatment, for incinerating waste vegetation, clean paper or cardboard; (c) boat maintenance or repair, but only to the extent the activity is, or is to be, carried out at a boat maintenance or repair facility. Editor s note schedule 2, sections 6 (Asphalt manufacturing), 12 (Plastic product manufacturing), 19 (Metal forming), 20 (Metal recovery), 38 (Surface coating), 49 (Boat maintenance or repair) and 61(Waste incineration and thermal treatment) (2) In this section prescribed local government means a local government, other than a local government mentioned in schedule 8A. 102 Devolution includes statutory instruments under Act To remove any doubt, it is declared that the administration and enforcement of the Act in relation to a matter devolved to a local government under this division includes the administration and enforcement of statutory instruments made under the Act in relation to the matter. Part 2 Enforcement 109 Authorised persons Act, s 445 For section 445(1)(c) of the Act, each of the following classes of persons is declared to be an approved class of persons (a) employees of a local government who are appointed as authorised persons by the local government s chief executive officer; (b) for the purposes only of sections 440J and 463A of the Act (i) authorised officers appointed under the Brisbane Forest Park Act 1977, section 42; or (ii) authorised officers appointed under the Recreation Areas Management Act 2006, section 143; or (iii) conservation officers appointed under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, section 127(1); or (iv) inspectors appointed under the Marine Parks Act 2004, section 52. (p.64)

25 Schedule 9 Prescribed water contaminants (Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, pp ) section 77 1 a chemical, or chemical waste containing a chemical Examples biocide, including herbicide, fungicide and pesticide chemical that causes biochemical or chemical oxygen demand chemical toxicant for which guidelines are prescribed in the document Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality degreasing agent 2 a gas other than oxygen 3 a liquid containing suspended or dissolved solids 4 a liquid that has a temperature different by more than 2ºC from ambient water temperature 5 animal matter, including dead animals, animal remains and animal excreta, and water used to clean animals, animal enclosures or vehicles used for transporting animals 6 ashes, clay, gravel, sediment, stones and similar organic or inorganic matter 7 a substance that has a ph outside the range 6.5 to building and construction materials, including bitumen, brick, cement, concrete and plaster 9 building, construction and demolition waste, including bitumen, brick, concrete cuttings, plaster and waste water generated by building, construction or demolition 10 clinical waste 11 glass, metal parts, paper, piping, plastic and scrap metal 12 industrial waste 13 oil, including, for example, petroleum or vegetable based oil 14 paint, paint scrapings or residues, paint sludge, water used for diluting paint or washing painting utensils, and waste from paint stripping 15 plant matter, including, for example, bark, lawn clippings, leaves, mulch, pruning waste, sawdust, shavings, woodchip and other waste from forest products 16 putrescible waste, including, for example, food scraps 17 sewage and sewage residues, whether treated or untreated, and any other matter containing faecal coliforms or faecal streptococci, including, for example, waste water pumped out from a septic tank 18 vehicles and components of vehicles, including, for example, batteries and tyres 19 waste and waste water, generated from indoor cleaning, including, for example, waste from carpet or upholstery cleaning and steam cleaning 20 waste and waste water, generated from outdoor cleaning, including, for example, waste generated from high pressure water blasting of commercial or industrial premises, fuel dispensing areas, plant or equipment, roofs, streets, vehicles and wharves 21 waste generated from repairing or servicing motor vehicles, including, for example, engine coolant, grease, lubricants and oil 22 waste water, including backwash from swimming pools, condensate from compressors, water from air-conditioning or cooling systems and waste water from grease traps Environmental Protection (Water) Policy The initial Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997 was made under the EP Act with the purpose being to achieve the object of the Act in relation to Queensland waters (EPP Water, p.3). The EPP Water 1997 required local governments to prepare an urban stormwater quality management plan (USQMP). The Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water) replaced the 1997 policy and in the new version USQMPs were subsumed by Total Water Cycle Management Plans (TWCMP). A guideline for the preparation of TWCMPs was published by DERM in 2010 for SEQ. The EPP Water 2009 was amended in December 2013 with requirements for local government to develop USQMPs or TWCMPs removed. There is an option under section 24 of the policy for the chief executive or a recognised entity in conjunction with the chief executive to develop and implement a healthy waters management plan. The principle purpose of the EPP Water is to guide the development of environmental values and management goals for Queensland waters, and state the water quality guidelines and water quality objectives to enhance or protect the environmental values

26 Environmental values (EVs) and water quality objectives (WQOs) adopted by the Queensland Government for Queensland waters are included in Schedule 1 of the EPP Water. The processes to identify EVs and to determine water quality guidelines (WQGs) and WQOs are based on the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS, 2000) and further outlined in the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (2000) (AWQG). The process is reiterated in the Queensland Water Quality Guidelines (2009) (QWQG). Gazetted EVs and WQOs are listed in Table 2-6 by GBR WQIP area from north to south. Table 2-6 Scheduled EVs and WQOs Column 1 Water Name Douglas WQIP (Terrain NRM) Bloomfield River, including all tributaries of the river Daintree River, including all tributaries of the river Douglas northern coastal creeks, including all coastal creeks north of Daintree River and east of Bloomfield River Saltwater Creek, including all tributaries of the creek Description part of basin 108 part of basin 108 part of basin 108 part of basin 108 Douglas coastal waters adjacent to basins 108 and 109 Douglas central coastal creeks, including all coastal creeks between Mowbray River and Mossman River Douglas southern coastal creeks, including all coastal creeks between Mowbray River and Simpson Point Mossman River, including all tributaries of the river Mowbray River, including all tributaries of the river part of basin 109 part of basin 109 part of basin 109 part of basin 109 Barron River Trinity Inlet WQIP (Terrain NRM) Trinity Inlet part of basin 111 Townsville (Black Ross) WQIP (Creek to Coral/Townsville City Council) Black River basin, including all waters basin 117 of the basin and adjacent coastal waters Ross River basin, including all waters of the basin, Magnetic Island and adjacent coastal waters basin 118 Mackay Whitsunday WQIP (update in progress) (Reef Catchments) Proserpine River basin, including all basin 122 waters of the basin and adjacent coastal waters Whitsunday Island basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent basin Column 2 Document Bloomfield River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Daintree River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Douglas Northern Coastal Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Saltwater Creek Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Douglas Coastal Waters Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Douglas Central Coastal Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Douglas Southern Coastal Creeks Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Mossman River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Mowbray River Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Trinity Inlet Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Black River Basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013 Ross River Basin and Magnetic Island Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013 Proserpine River, Whitsunday Island and O Connell River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013 Proserpine River, Whitsunday Island and O Connell River Basins Environmental Values

27 coastal waters O Connell River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal waters Pioneer River basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal waters Plane Creek basin, including all waters of the basin and adjacent coastal waters basin 124 basin 125 basin and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013 Proserpine River, Whitsunday Island and O Connell River Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013 Pioneer River and Plane Creek Basins Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in August 2013 Fitzroy Basin Water Quality Report (WQIP in progress) (Fitzroy Basin Association) Isaac River, including all waters of the part of basin Isaac River sub-basin 130 Nogoa River, including all waters of the Nogoa River sub-basin Mackenzie River, including all waters of the Mackenzie River sub-basin Comet River, including all waters of the Comet River sub-basin Fitzroy River, including all waters of the Fitzroy River sub-basin Callide Creek, including all waters of the Callide Creek catchment within the Dawson River sub-basin Dawson River including all waters of the Dawson River sub-basin other than the Callide Creek catchment part of basin 130 part of basin 130 part of basin 130 part of basin 130 part of basin 130 part of basin 130 Burnett Mary WQIPs (Burnett Mary Regional Group) Burrum, Gregory, Isis, Cherwell and basin 137 Elliott rivers, including all Hervey Bay coastal rivers and creeks Hervey Bay adjacent to basins 137 and 139 Isaac River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011 Nogoa River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011 Mackenzie River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011 Comet River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011 Fitzroy River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011 Callide Creek Catchment Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011 Dawson River Sub-basin Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in September 2011 Burrum, Gregory, Isis, Cherwell and Elliott Rivers Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Hervey Bay Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives, published by the department in July 2010 Notes: The department is Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage. Information extracted from EPP Water Schedule 1 - current as at 6 December 2013 (downloaded 30 June 2014). The organisation responsible for implementing the WQIP is included in brackets beside the WQIP area. In addition to the gazetted EVs and WQOs in Table 2-6 progress has been made for other GBR catchment areas (see text box below also) including: Capricorn EVs WQOs (released for public consultation until 16 June); Wet Tropics (getting close to releasing). Additional information including the latest update on the status of EV and WQO scheduling can be found at (web Last updated 23 August 2013 at 20 August 2014) and (see text box below). Schedule 1 of EPP Water (including plans) EVs and WQOs have been established under Schedule 1 of the EPP Water for riverine (freshwater),

28 estuarine and coastal waters and ground waters in the following areas (listed alphabetically): Fitzroy Basin waters (includes plans) Mackay-Whitsundays (includes plans) Mary River Basin/Great Sandy Region (includes plans) evs wqos.html Moreton Bay/south-east Queensland (includes plans) vs wqos.html Townsville region (includes plans) Wet Tropics (includes plans) wqos.html Last updated 9 August Environmental offsets framework On 1 July 2014, a new environmental offsets framework was introduced in Queensland. The new framework streamlines environmental offsets by providing an outcome-based approach to offsets, removing the complexities and duplication associated with the former offsets framework and aligning offsets across all three levels of government. (see A number of pieces of Queensland legislation provided for environmental offsets prior to the introduction of the new environmental offsets framework. The legislation and former offset policies included: Queensland Government Environmental Offset Policy (2008) (QGEOP) (confirmed through the Environmental Protection and Other Acts Amendment Act 2011) including; Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy (2011) including; o Sustainable Planning Act 2009 incorporating; Coastal Protection and Management Act coastal zone, Environmental Protection Act activities under chapter 4, State Planning Policy (SPP) Protecting Wetlands of High Ecological Significance in Great Barrier Reef Catchments - operational work that is high impact earthworks in a wetland protection area (WPA), Electricity Act lands designated for community infrastructure. o Environmental Protection Act 1994 incorporating; level 1 mining activities under chapter 5, level 1 petroleum and gas activities under chapter 5A, level 2 petroleum and gas activities (where they relate to construction or extension of a pipeline of less than 150km) under chapter 5A, o Nature Conservation Act the taking of endangered, vulnerable or near threatened plants; o Transport Infrastructure Act construction of State-controlled roads except for construction to which this policy does not apply. Vegetation Management Act Policy for Vegetation Management Offsets (2007) (Version ); Fisheries Act Policy for Mitigation and Compensation (Fish Habitat Loss) / Fish Habitat Management Operational Policy FHMOP 005 (2002); Nature Conservation Act Offsets for Net Gain of Koala Habitat in Southeast Queensland Policy (2006 and 2010 update). The definition of environmental offset under the former key Queensland offset policy is an action taken to counterbalance unavoidable, negative environmental impacts that result from an activity or a development

29 An offset may be located within or outside the geographic site of the impact. Environmental offsets are only applicable when the impacts cannot be avoided or minimised, and if all other Government environmental standards have been met. An offset differs from mitigation in that it addresses remaining impacts, after attempts to reduce (or mitigate) the impact have been undertaken. An example is offsetting vegetation loss by undertaking ongoing management actions near the impact site, to increase the quality and extent of vegetation. (QGEOP 2008, p.7) The environmental offsets framework includes: Environmental Offsets Act 2014 which coordinates the delivery of environmental offsets across jurisdictions and provides a single point-of-truth for offsets in Queensland. Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 which provides details of the prescribed activities regulated under existing legislation and prescribed environmental matters to which the Act applies. New Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy Version 1.0, which provides a single, consistent, wholeof-government policy for the assessment of offset proposals provided by authority holders to satisfy offset conditions (supersedes the above offset policies). (see pollution/management/offsets/) Environmental Offsets Act 2014 The Environmental Offsets Bill 2014 was introduced to the Queensland Parliament by Andrew Powell MP on 13 February 2014 and assented to on 28 May 2014 (No:33 of 2014). However, only a few sections of the Act, including section 1 (Short title) and section 2 (Commencement), commenced on the date of assent. The Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (EO Act) is coordinating legislation with the main purpose being to counterbalance the significant residual impacts of particular activities on prescribed environmental matters through the use of environmental offsets. (EO Act, p.10). The purpose, associated legislation and key concepts and definitions from the EO Act are provided in the text box below. Environmental Offsets Act 2014 (at 28 May 2014) Part 2 Purpose and application of Act 3 Purpose and achievement (2) The main purpose is achieved primarily by (a) establishing a framework for environmental offsets; and (b) recognising the level of protection given to prescribed environmental matters under other legislation; and (c) providing for national, State and local matters of environmental significance to be prescribed environmental matters for the purpose of this Act; and (d) coordinating the implementation of the framework in conjunction with other legislation. (EO Act, p.10) When proclaimed the Environmental Offsets Act will apply to an authority granted under another Act only if the application under the other Act for the authority was made on or after the commencement [of the EO Act] (EO Act s.95, p.65). The Acts that will be amended by the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 are: Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, Currumbin Bird Sanctuary Act 1976, Duties Act 2001, Environmental Protection Act 1994, Fisheries Act 1994, Marine Parks Act 2004, National Trust of Queensland Act 1963, Nature Conservation Act 1992, Queensland Heritage Act 1992, Sustainable Planning Act 2009, Vegetation Management Act

30 Key concepts and definitions The key concepts and definitions associated with the EO Act are: 1. environmental offset (EO Act, s.7, p.13) - an activity undertaken to counterbalance a significant residual impact of a prescribed activity on a prescribed environmental matter; 2. significant residual impact (EO Act, s.8, p.13) - an adverse impact, whether direct or indirect, of a prescribed activity on all or part of a prescribed environmental matter that will or is likely to remain (whether temporarily or permanently) despite on-site mitigation measures for the prescribed activity; and is, or will or is likely to be, significant; 3. offset condition (EO Act, s.7, p.12) - a condition imposed under another Act by an administering agency on an authority under the other Act for a prescribed activity for a prescribed environmental matter that requires an environmental offset to be undertaken or otherwise relates to an environmental offset; 4. prescribed activity (EO Act, s.9, pp.14-15) - the subject of an authority under another Act for which an offset condition may be imposed under the other Act on the authority and that is prescribed under a regulation; 5. * prescribed environmental matter (EO Act, s.10, p.15) - is any of the following matters prescribed under a regulation to be a prescribed environmental matter: a) a matter of national environmental significance; b) a matter of State environmental significance; c) a matter of local environmental significance. 6. conservation outcome - is achieved by an environmental offset for a prescribed activity for a prescribed environmental matter if the offset is selected, designed and managed to maintain the viability of the matter (EO Act, s.11, p.16). Note: * A prescribed environmental matter may be made by reference to a matter declared, defined, designated, established, listed, prescribed or otherwise described under this Act or another Act (EO Act, s.10 (2), p.15) Prescribed activities Prescribed activities (see item 4 in Key concepts and definitions in the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 text box above) are defined in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 (see text box below). Schedule 1 Activities prescribed for section 9(c) of the Act section 4 1 a resource activity carried out under an environmental authority under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 for which an amendment application, a site-specific application or a variation application was made under that Act; 2 a prescribed ERA under the Environmental Protection Act 1994; 3 the carrying out of works authorised under the Marine Parks Act 2004 in a marine park within the meaning of that Act; 4 an activity conducted under an authority granted, made, issued or given under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, section 34, 35, 38, 42AD or 42AE in a protected area; 5 taking a protected plant within the meaning of the Nature Conservation Act 1992 under a protected plant clearing permit granted under the Nature Conservation (Administration) Regulation 2006, section 15 in an area outside a protected area; 6 development for which an environmental offset may be required under any of the following modules of the State development assessment provisions (a) module 4 (environmentally relevant activities), (b) module 5 (fisheries resources), (c) module 8 (native vegetation clearing), (d) module 10 (coastal protection), (e) module 11 (wetland protection and wild river areas). 7 development for which an environmental offset may be required under any of the following (a) a local planning instrument, (b) a State planning regulatory provision within the meaning of the Sustainable Planning Act 2009, (c) the State Planning Policy 2013, Part E: Interim development assessment requirements. (EO Reg., pp.24-5)

31 2.9.8 Prescribed environmental matters Prescribed environmental matters as defined in the EO Act (see item 5 in Key concepts and definitions in the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 text box above) are: a matter of national environmental significance (MNES); a matter of State environmental significance (MSES); a matter of local environmental significance (MLES). These are further defined in the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 (see section ) Matter of national environmental significance Matters of national environmental significance (MNES) as defined in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) are reiterated in the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 (see section ). A simplified list of the MNES is provided below (from the EPBC Act Chapter 2, Part 3, pp.10-58). World Heritage properties (Subdivision A); National Heritage places (Subdivision AA); Wetlands of international importance i.e. declared Ramsar wetlands (Subdivision B); Listed threatened species (categories - extinct in the wild, critically endangered, endangered and vulnerable) (Subdivision C); Listed threatened ecological communities (categories - critically endangered and endangered) (Subdivision C); Listed migratory species (Subdivision D); Protection of the environment from nuclear actions (Subdivision E); Marine environment - Commonwealth marine areas (Subdivision F); Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (Subdivision FA); Water resources from coal seam gas or large coal mining development (Subdivision FB); Additional matters prescribed by the regulations (Subdivision G). Note: Further guidance about MNES can be found in Matters of National Environmental Significance: Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Department of Environment 2013) Matters of State environmental significance Matters of State environmental significance (MSES) are prescribed under a variety of Queensland Acts and have more recently been combined as a component of the biodiversity state interest that is defined under the State Planning Policy (SPP) (2013). MSES are defined in detail in Schedule 2 the Environmental Offset Regulation 2014 (EO Reg.) (pp.26-33) (see text box below). Schedule 2 Prescribed environmental matters matters of State environmental significance section 5(2) 1 Definitions for sch 2 In this schedule animal that is endangered wildlife or vulnerable wildlife means an animal that is endangered wildlife, or vulnerable wildlife, under the Nature Conservation Act Notes See the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, schedule 2, part 1 for animals that are endangered wildlife. See the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, schedule 3, part 1 for animals that are vulnerable wildlife. bioregion means a bioregion shown in a map called bioregions of Queensland included in the environmental offsets policy. category B area means a category B area within the meaning of the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 20AM. essential habitat, for protected wildlife, see the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 20AC(2). essential habitat map see the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 20AC(1). plant that is endangered wildlife or vulnerable wildlife

32 means a plant that is endangered wildlife, or vulnerable wildlife, under the Nature Conservation Act Notes See the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, schedule 2, part 2 for plants that are endangered wildlife. See the Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulation 2006, schedule 3, part 2 for plants that are vulnerable wildlife. prescribed regional ecosystem means a regional ecosystem, other than a regional ecosystem mentioned in the Vegetation Management Regulation 2012, schedule 5, located in a category B area on the regulated vegetation management map, to the extent the ecosystem contains remnant vegetation. regional ecosystem see the Vegetation Management Act 1999, schedule. Editor s note The Queensland Herbarium publishes a map of the regional ecosystems in Queensland and the map is available on the website of the department in which the Vegetation Management Act 1999 is administered, located at < regulated vegetation management map see the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 20A. remnant vegetation means vegetation forming the predominant canopy of the vegetation (a) covering more than 50% of the undisturbed predominant canopy; and (b) averaging more than 70% of the vegetation s undisturbed height; and (c) composed of species characteristic of the vegetation s undisturbed predominant canopy. undisturbed height, for vegetation, means the height to which the vegetation normally grows. undisturbed predominant canopy, for vegetation, means the predominant canopy the vegetation normally has. urban area see the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009, schedule Regulated vegetation (1) The prescribed regional ecosystems that are endangered regional ecosystems comprise a matter of State environmental significance. (2) The prescribed regional ecosystems that are of concern regional ecosystems comprise a matter of State environmental significance. (3) A prescribed regional ecosystem is a matter of State environmental significance if it is (a) a regional ecosystem that intersects with an area shown as a wetland on the vegetation management wetlands map (to the extent of the intersection); or (b) an area of essential habitat on the essential habitat map for an animal that is endangered wildlife or vulnerable wildlife or a plant that is endangered wildlife or vulnerable wildlife. (4) A prescribed regional ecosystem is a matter of State environmental significance to the extent the ecosystem is located within a defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse. (5) However, to the extent a prescribed regional ecosystem mentioned in subsections (2) to (4) is located within an urban area, it is not a matter of State environmental significance. (6) In this section defined distance, for a regional ecosystem, means a distance identified in the environmental offsets policy as the relevant distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse. endangered regional ecosystem means a regional ecosystem declared to be an endangered regional ecosystem under the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 22LA. of concern regional ecosystem means a regional ecosystem declared to be an of concern regional ecosystem under the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 22LB. relevant watercourse means a watercourse identified on the vegetation management watercourse map. vegetation management watercourse map see the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 20AB. vegetation management wetlands map see the Vegetation Management Act 1999, section 20AA. 3 Connectivity areas (1) This section applies to a prescribed regional ecosystem (a) to the extent the ecosystem contains remnant vegetation; and (b) if the ecosystem contains an area of land that is required for ecosystem functioning (a connectivity area). (2) The prescribed regional ecosystem is a matter of State environmental significance if the administering agency is satisfied, having had regard to criteria in the environmental offsets policy about connectivity areas, that (a) the connectivity area is of sufficient size or configured in a way that maintains ecosystem functioning;

33 and (b) the prescribed regional ecosystem will remain despite a threatening process within the meaning of the Nature Conservation Act (3) However, to the extent a prescribed regional ecosystem is located within an urban area, it is not a matter of State environmental significance. 4 Wetlands and watercourses (1) Each of the following matters is a matter of State environmental significance (a) a wetland (i) in a wetland protection area; or (ii) of high ecological significance shown on the Map of referable wetlands; (b) a wetland or watercourse in high ecological value waters. (2) In this section high ecological value waters see the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, schedule 2. Map of referable wetlands see the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, schedule 12, part 2. watercourse see the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, schedule 12, part 1, section 8. wetland means an area shown as a wetland on the Map of referable wetlands. wetland protection area means an area shown as a wetland protection area on the Map of referable wetlands. 5 High preservation areas of wild river areas (1) A part of a wild river area described as a high preservation area in the wild river declaration for the area is a matter of State environmental significance. (2) However, to the extent a wild river area described as a high preservation area is in an urban area, it is not a matter of State environmental significance. (3) In this section wild river area see the Wild Rivers Act 2005, schedule. wild river declaration see the Wild Rivers Act 2005, schedule. 6 Protected wildlife habitat (1) An area that is shown as a high risk area on the flora survey trigger map and that contains plants that are endangered wildlife or vulnerable wildlife is a matter of State environmental significance. (2) An area that is not shown as a high risk area on the flora survey trigger map, to the extent the area contains plants that are endangered wildlife or vulnerable wildlife, is a matter of State environmental significance. (3) A non-juvenile koala habitat tree located in an area shown as bushland habitat, high value rehabilitation habitat or medium value rehabilitation habitat on the map called Map of Assessable Development Area Koala Habitat Values that applies under the South East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions is a matter of State environmental significance. (4) A habitat for an animal that is endangered wildlife or vulnerable wildlife or a special least concern animal is a matter of State environmental significance. Examples of habitat an area of land used by an animal for foraging, roosting, nesting or breeding (5) In this section flora survey trigger map means the map held by the department under the Nature Conservation (Wildlife Management) Regulation 2006, section 247. koala habitat tree means a tree of any of the following genera (a) Angophora; (b) Corymbia; (c) Eucalyptus; (d) Lophostemon; (e) Melaleuca. non-juvenile koala habitat tree means a koala habitat tree that (a) is more than 4m high; or (b) has a trunk with a circumference of more than 31.5cm at 1.3m above the ground. South East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions means the document called the South East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions, dated May 2010 and published on the website of the department in which the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 is administered. special least concern animal means the following animals that are least concern wildlife under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 (a) a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus);

34 (b) an echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus); (c) a platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). 7 Protected areas A protected area is a matter of State environmental significance. Note A coordinated conservation area under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 is excluded by the Act, definition protected area. 8 Highly protected zones of State marine parks (1) A highly protected area of a relevant Queensland marine park is a matter of State environmental significance. (2) In this section highly protected area means (a) a zone classified, under the Marine Parks Act 2004, as a conservation park zone, marine national park zone or preservation zone; or (b) another area prescribed under a regulation or zoning plan, under the Marine Parks Act 2004, as a highly protected area. relevant Queensland marine park means any of the following marine parks declared under the Marine Parks Act 2004 (a) the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park; (b) the Moreton Bay Marine Park; (c) the Great Sandy Marine Park. zone, for a marine park, see the Marine Parks Act 2004, schedule. 9 Fish habitat areas An area declared under the Fisheries Act 1994 to be a fish habitat area is a matter of State environmental significance. 10 Waterway providing for fish passage (1) Any part of a waterway providing for passage of fish and not located within an urban area is a matter of State environmental significance only if the construction, installation or modification of waterway barrier works carried out under an authority will limit the passage of fish along the waterway. (2) In this section fish means fish regulated under the Fisheries Act passage, for fish, means the natural movement patterns of fish species required to maintain the biological integrity of the species. waterway includes a river, creek, stream, watercourse or inlet of the sea. waterway barrier works means a dam, weir or other barrier across a waterway. 11 Marine plants (1) A marine plant within the meaning of the Fisheries Act 1994 is a matter of State environmental significance. (2) However, a marine plant is not a matter of State environmental significance if the plant is in an urban area. 12 Legally secured offset areas A legally secured offset area is a matter of State environmental significance. Matters of State environmental significance are summarised below. 2. Regulated vegetation (prescribed under the Vegetation Management Act 1999) that are: Endangered or Of concern regional ecosystems; Regional ecosystems that intersect with wetlands identified on the vegetation management wetlands map; Areas of essential habitat on the essential habitat map for endangered wildlife and vulnerable wildlife (plants and animals); Regional ecosystems located within a defined distance from the defining banks of a relevant watercourse

35 (Note: with the exception of Endangered regional ecosystems, if the regional ecosystem is located within an urban area it is not a matter of State environmental significance) 3. Connectivity areas: regional ecosystems that are of sufficient size and configured in a way that maintains ecosystem functioning i.e. connectivity, and is likely to remain in the landscape despite threatening processes. (Note: this does not apply to regional ecosystem/s located within an urban area); 4. Wetlands and watercourses Wetlands o in a wetland protection area o of high ecological significance shown on the Map of Referable Wetlands (defined in the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008, schedule 12). A wetland or watercourse in high ecological value waters (defined in the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, schedule 2). 5. High preservation areas of wild river areas declared under the Wild Rivers Act 2005; 6. Protected wildlife habitat including: High risk area on the flora survey trigger map that contains endangered or vulnerable plants; Areas containing endangered and vulnerable plants; Koala trees in areas shown as bushland habitat, high value rehabilitation habitat or medium value rehabilitation habitat on the Map of Assessable Development Area Koala Habitat Values; Habitat for endangered, vulnerable and special least concern animals i.e. koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). 7. Protected areas (declared under the Nature Conservation Act 1992): national park national park (scientific) national park (Aboriginal land) national park (Torres Strait Islander land) national park (Cape York Peninsular Aboriginal land) national park (recovery) conservation parks resources reserve nature refuges. 8. Highly protected zones (classified under the Marine Parks Act 2004) of State marine parks i.e. the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park, the Moreton Bay Marine Park and Great Sandy Marine Park, including: conservation park zone; marine national park zone; preservation zone. 9. Fish habitat areas (declared funder the Fisheries Act 1994); 10. Waterway providing for fish passage (under the Fisheries Act 1994) (Note: this does not apply to urban areas); 11. Marine plants (under the Fisheries Act 1994); 12. Legally secured offset areas (under section 28 of the Act). Note: Further guidance about MSES can be found in Method for mapping matters of State environmental significance for use in land use planning and development assessment (Department of Environment and Heritage Protection 2013). MSES mapping is a representation of the definition for MSES under the SPP (2013) and is published online by the Department of State Development and Infrastructure Planning (DSDIP). It can be obtained as a static map image to an allotment scale from the SPP Interactive Mapping System available at The mapping data can be obtained for use in a geographic information system (GIS) from the Queensland Government Information Service Matters of local environmental significance Matters of local environmental significance (MLES) can be defined through local planning instruments (see section and section Queensland environmental offsets policy) Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 The regulation commenced on 1 July The sections of the Regulation that are most relevant are:

36 (s 3) The dictionary in schedule 3 defines particular words used in this regulation (see text box below); (s 4) Prescribed activities (Act, s 9) are mentioned in schedule 1 (see section 2.9.8) for section 9(c) of the Act; (s 5) Prescribed environmental matters (see text box below); (s 6) the Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy (version 1.0) published on the department s website is prescribed to be an environmental offsets policy for section 12(1) of the Act (see section ); (s 8) for the Act, section 18(4)(c), this section prescribes other requirements that an offset delivery plan must satisfy; (s 13) defines the decision maker for advanced offsets; (s 14) about identification and registration of advanced offsets under ss 90(1)(b) and 93(2)(b)of the EO Act; (s 35) the keeping of a register for section 90(1)(b) of the Act, with information about; o advanced offset areas, o legally secured offset areas, o environmental offset protection areas, o elected offset delivery options i.e. proponent-driven offset, financial settlement offset or a combination of both, o the amount paid by the proponent for each financial settlement offset. 5 Prescribed environmental matters Act, s 10 (1) For section 10(1)(a) of the Act, each of the following matters of national environmental significance is a prescribed environmental matter (a) a declared World Heritage property within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Act, section 13(1); (b) a National Heritage place within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Act, section 324C(3); (c) a declared Ramsar wetland within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Act, section 17; (d) a threatened species within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Act in a list established under section 178 of that Act; (e) a threatened ecological community within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Act in a list established under section 181 of that Act; (f) a migratory species within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Act in a list established under section 209 of that Act; (g) a Commonwealth marine area within the meaning of the Commonwealth Environment Act, section 24; (h) the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park established under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975 (Cwlth); (i) a water resource, within the meaning of the Water Act 2007 (Cwlth), to the extent the taking of action mentioned in section 24D or 24E of the Commonwealth Environment Act in relation to the water resource is prohibited under either of those sections. (2) For section 10(1)(b) of the Act, each matter of State environmental significance mentioned in schedule 2 is a prescribed environmental matter. (3) For section 10(1)(c) of the Act, a matter of local environmental significance for which an environmental offset is required under a local planning instrument is a prescribed environmental matter. (4) In this section Commonwealth Environment Act means the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth). matter of local environmental significance does not include a matter of national environmental significance or a matter of State environmental significance. (EO Reg., pp.4-5) Schedule 3 Dictionary (see section 3) (selected definitions) local planning instrument means a local planning instrument made under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 State development assessment provisions, see the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009, schedule 26 State Planning Policy 2013, see the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009, schedule 26 (pp.34-35)

37 Queensland environmental offsets policy The Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy (Version 1.0) (QEOP) came into effect on 1 July 2014 and is administered by the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP). The Queensland Environmental Offsets Policy provides a single framework for environment-related offsets in Queensland and replaces the following offset policies (see section Error! Reference source not found.): Queensland Government Environmental Offsets Policy (2008); Marine Fish Habitat Offsets Policy (version FHMOP005.2); Policy for Vegetation Management Offsets (2011); Queensland Biodiversity Offset Policy (2011); Offsets for Net Gain of Koala Habitat in South East Queensland Policy (2010) Head of power This policy is a statutory instrument, given effect through section 12 of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 and prescribed under the Environmental Offsets Regulation It is a decision-making support tool when the relevant administering agency, including local governments, has identified that an offset is required for a significant residual impact on a prescribed environmental matter. (QEOP, p1) Purpose The purpose of the policy is to provide a decision-support tool to enable consistent assessment by administering agencies of offset proposals provided by authority holders to satisfy offset conditions. The purpose of this policy is to provide a decision-support tool to enable administering agencies to assess offsets proposals provided by authority holders in a consistent manner to ensure they satisfy offsets conditions. (QEOP, p.2) At present it is the only relevant policy for meeting an offset condition under section 12 of the EO Act Principles, key concepts and definitions The principles that an environment offsets must meet according to section 1.3 of the QEOP are: 1. Offsets will not replace or undermine existing environmental standards or regulatory requirements, or be used to allow development in areas otherwise prohibited through legislation or policy; 2. Environmental impacts must first be avoided, then minimised, before considering the use of offsets for any remaining impact; 3. Offsets must achieve a conservation outcome that achieves an equivalent environmental outcome; 4. Offsets must provide environmental values as similar as possible to those being lost; 5. Offset provision must minimise the time-lag between the impact and delivery of the offset; 6. Offsets must provide additional protection to environmental values at risk, or additional management actions to improve environmental values; 7. Where legal security is required, offsets must be legally secured for the duration of the impact on the prescribed environmental matter. (QEOP, p.4) Some of the key concepts from the EO Act and Regulation that are dealt with and/or expanded upon in the QEOP include: Test for a significant residual impact (EO Act, s.8, p.13); o the Commonwealth Significant Impact Guidelines for MNES (Commonwealth of Australia 2013, Matters of National Environmental Significance - Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Significant impact guidelines 1.3: Coal seam gas and large coal mining developments impacts on water resources), o the State Significant Impact Guideline for MSES [not yet available], o any relevant local government significant impact guideline for MLES. Information and requirements for environmental offsets delivery for; o impacts on prescribed environmental matters, other than protected areas (QEOP, Chapter 2) including; proponent-driven offsets, offset delivery plan (for proponent-driven offsets) financial settlement offsets, staged offsets (QEOP, s and s 18 of the EO Act), legally secured offset area (s 29 of the EO Act),

38 o impacts on protected areas (QEOP, Chapter 3). Financial Settlement Offset Calculation Methodology (see Appendix 6); Direct Benefit Management Plan (DBMP) (see QEOP, Appendix 5); Advanced offset is an area of land identified and registered as an advanced offset under section 14 of the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 (see QEOP, Appendix 8); Offset account and trust fund administration (see QEOP, Appendix 7); Further detail on self-administered offset code of compliance (see QEOP, Appendix 1) for; o Government departments and agencies, o Government-owned corporations. Transitional provisions for existing authorities and applications where environmental offset provisions apply (see QEOP, Appendix 2); Strategic Offset Investment Corridor defined using the Strategic Investment Corridor Mapping Method (see the Queensland Government website) (see QEOP, s and Appendix 7 and Appendix 8) MSES Specific criteria for defining some matters of State environmental significance (MSES) referred to in the Environmental Offsets Regulation 2014 (EO Reg.), are provided in the QEOP including: Appendix 3 (QEOP, p.22) Bioregions of Queensland map (EO Reg. Schedule 2 clause 1); Appendix 4 (QEOP, p.23) the defined distance for a regional ecosystem is determined using the table and diagram (EO Reg., Schedule 2 clause 2, subsections (4) and (6)). Local and regional landscape fragmentation needs to be quantified when considering whether a regional ecosystem (EO Reg., Schedule 2, clause 3(2)); o contains an area of land that is required for ecosystem functioning (a connectivity area); and o is of sufficient size or configured in a way that maintains ecosystem functioning; and o will remain despite a threatening process. The Landscape Fragmentation and Connectivity Tool is available as a decision support tool to quantify any significant impact on connectivity. This tool is available through the Queensland Government Information Service at: (QEOP, p.3) MLES and local government role Section of the QEOP states that local government may impose an offset condition where an offset is required under [as described in section 5(3) of the Environmental Offset Regulation 2014]: a local planning instrument made under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009; the South East Queensland Koala Conservation State Planning Regulatory Provisions; or the State Planning Policy 2013, Part E Interim development assessment provisions. A local planning instrument can determine if an offset is required for a MLES. (QEOP, p.2) Local planning instruments as defined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) are: (a) a planning scheme; (b) a temporary local planning instrument; (c) a planning scheme policy (PSP). (SP Act, Chapter 3, Part 1, section 77, p.85) Other components of the QEOP that are directly related to local government s role in administering environmental offsets are provided as extracts in the text boxes below. Local government significant impact guideline Significant residual impacts Under section 14 of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014, offsets can only be required if residual impacts constitute a significant residual impact as defined under section 8 of the Act. An administering agency may refer to: the State Significant Impact Guideline for guidance on what constitutes a significant residual impact for matters of State environmental significance (MSES)

39 the Commonwealth Significant Impact Guidelines for what constitutes a significant residual impact on Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES); and any relevant local government significant impact guideline for Matters of Local Environmental Significance (MLES). (QEOP, s 1.1.2, p.2) Offset conditions hierarchy Relationship between State, Commonwealth and local government offsets In deciding whether to apply an offset condition the administering agency, must, under sections 14 and 15 of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014, consider if an offset condition has already been applied for the same, or substantially the same prescribed activity, prescribe environmental matter and area of impact. Section 15 of the Environmental Offsets Act 2014 removes the ability for the State and local government to impose an offset condition in relation to a prescribed activity, if a Commonwealth decision has already been made in relation to the same, or substantially the same activity, prescribed environmental matter and area of impact. It also removes the ability of a local government to impose an offset condition for a prescribed activity, if a State decision has already been made in relation to the same, or substantially the same activity, prescribed environmental matter and area of impact. (QEOP, pp.2-3) Offset delivery arrangements An authority holder must advise and agree with a local government (the administering agency for MLES defined in a local planning instrument under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009) of their intended offset delivery approach before commencing any part of the activity to which the offset condition relates (s 18 of the EO Act). The notification is to identify that the offset will be delivered as a: financial settlement offset; *proponent-driven offset; or a combination of proponent-driven offset and financial settlement offset. Proponent-driven offsets require an offset delivery plan (see QEOP, s , pp.10-11) to be approved by the local government before activities commence. After receipt of the notice of election on the approved form, Local government has 40 business days to consider the notice of election. Where agreement on offset delivery is reached the local government and authority holder must sign an agreed delivery arrangement. This agreement forms a contract about how the offset will be delivered and can be amended by agreement between the two parties. For a proponent-driven offset the agreement must include the offset delivery plan. For financial settlement offsets the agreed delivery arrangement must specify the agreed financial settlement amount (determined using the Financial Settlement Offset Calculator in Appendix 6) to be paid and an agreed timeframe in which the payment will be made. (QEOP, s and s , p.7) * A proponent-driven offset may take the form of a traditional land-based offset or be undertaken through actions under a DBMP (QEOP, s , p.8). Financial settlement offset payments An authority holder can meet an offset requirement for impacts on marine or terrestrial environments by providing a payment in accordance with this policy. The payment amount must be calculated in accordance with the Financial Settlement Offset Calculation Methodology in Appendix 6. The web-based Financial Settlement Offset Calculator on the Queensland Government website may be used to support this calculation. The offset obligation has been met once the full financial settlement has been paid. Financial settlement offset payments (s 24 of the EO Act) are made to a local government s trust fund in relation to; MLES; and MSES that may be administered by local government e.g. koala habitat in South East Queensland. The trust fund is to be administered by the local government for the delivery of environmental offsets to achieve a conservation outcome (see s 89 of the EO Act)

40 Further information on the offset account and trust fund administration is provided in Appendix 7. (QEOP, s , p.8) Calculating MLES financial settlement offsets Specific requirements for local governments When using the Financial Settlement Offset Calculation Methodology or web-based Financial Settlement Offset Calculator for financial settlement offsets for MLES, the local government will need to attribute a rating and associated multiplier to each local environmental matter that does not exceed a multiplier of 4. The following ratings and associated multipliers can be used: MLES 1 which relates to a multiplier of 1; MLES 2 which relates to a multiplier of 2; MLES 3 which relates to a multiplier of 3; or MLES 4 which relates to a multiplier of 4. These ratings and associated multipliers can be attributed through the local government planning instrument or via the offset condition. For example, a locally significant riparian corridor may be attributed an offset multiplier of MLES 3. In this instance the web-based Financial Settlement Offset Calculator will calculate a financial offset based on a multiplier of 3 for that matter. (QEOP, p.8) Multiple jurisdiction delivery Where possible for proponent-driven offsets, an authority holder may choose to deliver an offset package that addresses multiple jurisdictional offset requirements. This can apply to offsets for local matters where agreed to by the local government. (QEOP, s , p.8) Land-based offsets Specific requirements for local governments where the offset delivery is a land-based offset For land-based offsets being delivered for MLES local government may use their own habitat quality assessment and can determine the offset obligation to be delivered for that matter, provided any area of land for the offset does not exceed the impact site area by more than a factor of 4. (QEOP, p.9) Direct benefit management plans Direct Benefit Management Plan offsets Proponent-driven offsets can also be delivered through priority actions identified in a DBMP undertaken on land. DBMP priority actions are implemented through the management intent and offset actions in an offset delivery plan. DBMPs are pre-approved packaged investments (refer Appendix 5) that outline priority actions to address threats to, and provide substantial benefits for, particular prescribed environmental matters. Substantial benefits are achieved by providing landscape-scale benefits for those matters, or if the matter is localised, improved outcomes compared to a traditional land-based offset. Additionally, other compensatory measures (research and education) can be delivered as part of a DBMP but will only be accepted as no greater than10% of an offset delivery, unless otherwise agreed. For example, in circumstances where it can be demonstrated that the level of investment in research and education will deliver a greater overall conservation outcome for the prescribed environmental matter than other actions that could benefit that matter. DBMPs must be pre-approved as priority actions for the prescribed environmental matter: by EHP where the matter is an accredited MNES or a MSES; and by the relevant local government where the matter is an MLES. (QEOP, p.9) Appendix 5 Direct Benefit Management Plans A DBMP is a packaged investment that outlines priority actions to address threats to, and provide substantial benefits for, particular prescribed environmental matters. Substantial benefits are achieved by

41 providing landscape-scale benefits for those matters, or if the matter is localised, improved outcomes compared to a traditional land-based offset. A DBMP can also include measures that improve our knowledge, understanding and management of these matters leading to improved conservation outcomes for the impacted matter. A DBMP must be pre-approved by the Chief Executive of EHP (other than for MLES) before they can be used for proponent-driven offsets. For MLES the DBMP must be approved by the relevant local government. A Direct Benefit Management Plan (for MSES) may be developed for: an individual species or range of species; ecosystems, such as wetlands or mangroves, that are difficult to replicate through a land-based offset; fish habitat and marine environment. (QEOP, p.24) Guidance material and assessment tools An initial list of guidance material mentioned in the QEOP is provided below. The Guide to Determining Terrestrial Habitat Quality (refer to the Queensland Government website); Commonwealth Significant Impact Guidelines - Matters of National Environmental Significance - Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and Significant impact guidelines 1.3: Coal seam gas and large coal mining developments impacts on water resources); Staged offsets (QEOP, s and s 18 of the EO Act); Appendix 3 Bioregions of Queensland map (QEOP); Appendix 4 the defined distance for a regional ecosystem is determined using the table and diagram (QEOP); Appendix 5 Direct Benefit Management Plan (DBMP) (QEOP); Appendix 6 Financial Settlement Offset Calculation Methodology (QEOP); Appendix 7 Offset account and trust fund administration (QEOP); Appendix 8 Advanced offsets (QEOP); Strategic Offset Investment Corridor defined using the Strategic Investment Corridor Mapping Method (see the Queensland Government website); The Landscape Fragmentation and Connectivity Tool is available as a decision support tool to quantify any significant impact on connectivity( available through the Queensland Government Information Service at: Local and Regional Opportunities The Queensland Environmental Offsets (QEO) framework provides the opportunity for local government to take the initiative and protect significant local environmental assets and features through the mechanism of the planning scheme and planning scheme policies (local planning instruments). This applies particularly within urban areas where matters of State environmental significance (MSES) do not generally apply. MSES that does not apply within urban areas include: Of Concern and Least Concern regional ecosystems; Unmapped vegetation i.e. does not appear on DNRM Regulated Vegetation Mapping; Remnant vegetation associated with wetlands on the vegetation management wetlands map; Essential habitat for plants and animals that are endangered or vulnerable wildlife and habitat in general; Riparian vegetation i.e. there is no waterway buffer required in urban areas; Connectivity areas i.e. remnant vegetation in ecosystems that is required for connectivity; Part of a waterway providing for passage of fish; Marine plants. The QEO framework also provides an opportunity to prepare strategic environmental management mechanisms to protect and enhance local environmental assets i.e. direct benefit management plans (DBMP) and strategic offset investment corridors (SOIC)

42 The starting for these opportunities is the identification of matters of local environmental significance (MLES) and the development of an offset policy that aligns with the new QEO framework. There is also an opportunity for NRM groups to partner with local government to develop an offset framework for matters of local environmental significance (MLES). As this is a very new situation a scoping document probably needs to be prepared as a precursor to inform local government and NRM bodies of the opportunities and pathways for preparing and establishing a local/regional offsets scheme defining and encompassing matters of environmental significance at the local level that have been identified as State interests and MSES in the single State Planning Policy and the new Environmental Offsets framework Environmental infrastructure Creek to Coral started down this path i.e. identification of MLES, with the development of an environmental infrastructure layer for the draft planning scheme. The layer was based on an environmental importance rating methodology (four categories Very High, High, Medium and Low) that combined characteristics equivalent to MNES, MSES and MLES for 27 environmental parameters. The original environmental infrastructure layer included high ecological value (HEV) waters as determined during the development of the Townsville WQIP. The HEV waters were removed from the environmental infrastructure map with the environmental importance ratings retained and relabelled as the Natural Assets Overlay (see Figure 2-6). Figure 2-6 Environmental Importance Rating Note: This is version 10 of the environmental importance rating layer used as the base for the Natural Assets Overlay in the draft Townville City Planning Scheme under the Sustainable Planning Act Regardless of the adjustments to meet the requirements for preparing the planning scheme the groundwork has been laid for preparing MLES layer and developing an environmental offsets policy to encompass urban and peri-urban areas. Most local government and regional NRM areas will have some mapping that can be adopted, adapted and/or modified to include local waters and water quality as a MLES

43 2.10 Queensland Planning Legislation One of the main ways that local government is responsible for water quality management in the urban setting is through the management and administration of the development assessment process. The process is currently outlined in the Sustainable Planning Act 2009; however replacement planning legislation was released for comment by the Queensland Government on 1 August 2014 in the form of the draft Planning and Development Bill and draft Planning and Environment Court Bill. The draft planning legislation looks to strip out unnecessary state intervention to provide more flexibility to councils and a stable legislative platform for development in Queensland (Source is planning/draftbills/consult_view). The draft planning legislation has not been closely reviewed by the author however from a perusal it appears that the local government regulatory mechanisms i.e. local planning instruments, remain essentially the same while the direction at the state level has altered. Some significant changes are: Removal of detail from the Act. The SP Act was 732 pages while the draft Bill is 237 pages; The Purpose of the Act has been amended to achieve prosperity rather than ecological sustainability; State planning regulatory provisions and standard planning scheme provisions have been removed and will no longer be State planning instruments i.e. more flexibility for local government (?); Categories of development and development assessment have been revised. The implications of these changes have not been assessed at this point in time. The following commentary is based on the current (August 2014) Queensland planning legislation with parallel components from the draft Planning and Development Bill (P and D Bill) included where practical/relevant Sustainable Planning Act 2009 Planning legislation has evolved over the years with the most significant change in Queensland occurring in 1999 with the introduction of the Integrated Planning Act 1999 (IP Act). The IP Act was replaced by the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) which has more focus on state interests and their incorporation in local planning schemes. The SP Act is the current head of power describing State and local planning instruments and the integrated development assessment system (IDAS) and development assessment process in Queensland (Note: The SP Act used for this section was current as at 28 May 2014). Development assessment in Queensland is also influenced by other legislation, both Commonwealth and State, and state government intervention especially with regard to public infrastructure and significant projects. Planning instruments under the SP Act are: State; o o o o Local; o o o A State planning regulatory provision, A State planning policy, A regional plan, The standard planning scheme provisions. A planning scheme, A temporary local planning instrument, A planning scheme policy. The purpose of the SP Act is to seek to achieve ecological sustainability (see full Purpose and definition in the text box below. 3 Purpose of Act The purpose of this Act is to seek to achieve ecological sustainability by (a) managing the process by which development takes place, including ensuring the process is accountable, effective and efficient and delivers sustainable outcomes; and (b) managing the effects of development on the environment, including managing the use of premises; and (c) continuing the coordination and integration of planning at the local, regional and State levels. (SP Act,

44 pp.43-4) 8 Meaning of ecological sustainability Ecological sustainability is a balance that integrates (a) protection of ecological processes and natural systems at local, regional, State and wider levels; and (b) economic development; and (c) maintenance of the cultural, economic, physical and social wellbeing of people and communities. (SP Act, pp.46-7) 3 Purpose of the Act (1) The purpose of this Act is to facilitate Queensland s prosperity, including by balancing economic growth, environmental protection and community wellbeing. (P and D Bill, p.14) Local planning instruments Local planning instruments are the main pathway for the regulation of development in a local government area (LGA). Planning schemes are the principal local planning instrument and must address certain core matters, including State and regional dimensions of the core matters. State and regional dimensions of the core matters are defined through state planning instruments and must be taken into consideration along with the local dimensions. The main core matter relevant to water quality is (c) valuable features (see text box below). 89 Core matters for planning scheme (1) Each of the following are core matters for the preparation of a planning scheme (a) land use and development; (b) infrastructure; (c) valuable features. (2) In this section (SP Act, p.91) valuable features includes each of the following, whether terrestrial or aquatic (a) resources or areas that are of ecological significance, including, for example, habitats, wildlife corridors, buffer zones, places supporting biological diversity or (p.93) resilience, and features contributing to the quality of air, water (including catchments or recharge areas) and soil; (b) areas contributing significantly to amenity, including, for example, areas of high scenic value, physical features that form significant visual backdrops or that frame or define places or localities, and attractive built environments; (c) areas or places of cultural heritage significance, including, for example, areas or places of indigenous cultural significance, or aesthetic, architectural, historical, scientific, social or technological significance, to the present generation or past or future generations; (d) resources or areas of economic value, including, for example, extractive deposits, fishery resources, forestry resources, water resources, sources of renewable and non-renewable energy and good quality agricultural land. (SP Act, p.92) (Note: section (2) land use and development and infrastructure narrative not included) 15 Required contents for local planning instruments (1) A regulation may prescribe requirements for the contents (the required contents) of local planning instruments. (2) To the extent of any inconsistency between the required contents and a local planning instrument, the required contents apply instead of the local planning instrument. (P and D Bill, p.23) 90 State, regional and local dimensions of planning scheme matters (1) A matter, including a core matter, in a planning scheme may have local, regional or State dimensions. (2) A local dimension of a planning scheme matter is a dimension that is within the jurisdiction of local government but is not a regional or State dimension. (3) A regional dimension of a planning scheme matter is a dimension (a) about which a regional planning committee report makes a recommendation; or (b) reflected in a regional plan; or (c) that can best be dealt with by the cooperation of 2 or more local governments. (4) A State dimension of a planning scheme matter, including a matter reflected in a State planning policy, is a dimension of a State interest. (SP Act, p.93)

45 Planning scheme policies (PSP) are the accompanying local planning instrument supporting and clarifying matters in a planning scheme. The text box below includes sections from the SP Act relevant to PSPs. Part 4 Planning scheme policies Division 1 Preliminary 108 What is a planning scheme policy A planning scheme policy is an instrument that (a) is made by a local government under division 2 and part 5; and (b) supports the local dimension of a planning scheme; and (c) supports local government actions under this Act for IDAS and for making or amending its planning scheme. 109 Status of planning scheme policy A planning scheme policy is a statutory instrument under the Statutory Instruments Act 1992 and has the force of law as provided for under this Act. (p.102) 110 Effect of planning scheme policy A planning scheme policy for a planning scheme area (a) becomes a policy for the area; and (b) if the policy states that it replaces an existing policy replaces the existing policy. 111 Area to which planning scheme policy applies A planning scheme policy may apply to all or only part of a planning scheme area. 112 Relationship with other planning instruments To the extent a planning scheme policy is inconsistent with another planning instrument, the other planning instrument prevails. Division 2 General matters about planning scheme policies 113 Power to make planning scheme policy A local government may make a planning scheme policy for all or a part of its planning scheme area. 114 Content of planning scheme policy (1) A planning scheme policy may only do 1 or more of the following (p.103) (a) state information a local government may request for a development application; (b) state the consultation the local government may carry out under section 256; (c) state actions a local government may take to support the process for making or amending its planning scheme; (d) contain standards identified in a code; (e) include guidelines or advice about satisfying assessment criteria in the planning scheme. (2) Subsection (1) applies despite section 109. (p.104) State planning policies As mentioned the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SP Act) is the head of power of State planning policies (SPP). Until relatively recently (December 2013) there were a number of SPPs for Queensland including SPP 4/10 Healthy Waters, which incorporated urban water quality protection in the development assessment process for the first time. Planning reforms by Queensland Government saw all the previous SPPs replaced by the single State Planning Policy (SPP 2013), which sets out the [state] interests that must be addressed through local government planning schemes, regional plans and when making decisions about the designation of land for community infrastructure (SPP 2013, p.6). The single SPP, combined with core matters that must be addressed in planning schemes (see section ) sets the scene for how local government manages water quality through the development assessment process. SPP 2013 was updated in July 2014 (Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning 2014). The extracts in this section are from the July 2014 SPP. The preamble about the water quality state interest from SPP 2013 is included in the text box below

46 Water quality Why is water quality of interest to the state? Queensland is home to a diverse range of waters from the upland streams of the Great Dividing Range and inland waters out to the coastal waters of the iconic Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Bay. Healthy lakes, streams, wetlands, groundwaters, coastal waters and catchments are an integral part our lifestyle and economy, to which we associate many environmental values, including aquatic ecosystems, agriculture, industry (including mining), recreational use, drinking water, fishing, and cultural and spiritual values. In order to protect this valuable resource, and enhance the environmental values of Queensland waters, catchments should be managed sustainably. This means that the planning, design, construction and operation of development should be undertaken in a manner that protects water environmental values and maintains or enhances water quality. All elements of the water cycle are interdependent. Therefore, it is important that water use is managed on a total water cycle basis, balancing uses of water, maximising opportunities for recovery and reuse and avoiding or minimising impacts of stormwater and waste water discharge to receiving waters. This will lead to the protection and enhancement of the environmental values of receiving waters including high ecological value (HEV) waters, freshwaters, estuaries, rivers and creeks, bays, groundwaters and the Great Barrier Reef. Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is an important approach to the planning and design of urban environments. WSUD measures (such as bio-retention basins, grassed swales and artificial wetlands) can help to protect environmental values by managing the impacts of stormwater runoff. Stormwater and erosion management controls during the construction phase are key to minimising impacts during land development. Protecting Queensland s water quality can strengthen the Queensland economy and support positive social and environmental outcomes by: maintaining and/or enhancing opportunities for economic development including agriculture, fisheries, mining and tourism activities; reducing demand/impacts on drainage infrastructure and water supply treatment costs; improving amenity and opportunities for recreation and tourism in urban and rural environments; supporting the natural water cycle, ecological health and a healthy drinking water supply. (SPP 2013, p.30) The section of SPP 2013 about incorporation of state interests in planning schemes, with respect to water quality, is provided in the text box below. Additional guidance is provided in State Planning Policy Guideline: State interest water quality (State of Queensland, December 2013). State interest water quality The environmental values and quality of Queensland waters are protected and enhanced. Making or amending a planning scheme and designating land for community infrastructure The planning scheme is to appropriately integrate the state interest by: For receiving waters: (1) facilitating the protection of environmental values and the achievement of water quality objectives for Queensland waters, and (2) identifying land for urban or future urban purposes in areas which avoid or minimise the disturbance to natural drainage and acid sulfate soils, erosion risk, impact on groundwater and landscape features, and (3) including requirements that development for an urban purpose is located, designed, constructed and/or managed to avoid or minimise:

47 (a) impacts arising from: i. altered stormwater quality or flow, and ii. waste water (other than contaminated stormwater and sewage), and iii. the creation or expansion of non-tidal artificial waterways, such as urban lakes, and (b) the release and mobilisation of nutrients that increase the risk of algal blooms, and (4) adopting the applicable stormwater management design objectives relevant to the climatic region 8, outlined in Tables A and B (Appendix 3), or demonstrate current best practice environmental management for development that is for an urban purpose, and (5) facilitating innovative and locally appropriate solutions for urban stormwater management that achieve the relevant urban stormwater management design objectives, and (6) planning for safe, secure and efficient water supply, and (7) including requirements that development in water resource catchments is undertaken in a manner which contributes to the maintenance and enhancement (where possible) of water quality to protect the drinking water and aquatic ecosystem environmental values in those catchments, and For development in a water supply buffer area 9 : (8) including requirements that development complies with the specific outcomes and measures contained in the Seqwater Development Guidelines: Development Guidelines for Water Quality Management in Drinking Water Catchments 2012 or similar development assessment requirements, and Acid sulfate soils: (9) in an acid sulfate soil affected area, protecting the natural and built environment (including infrastructure) and human health from the potential adverse impacts of acid sulfate soils by: (a) identifying areas with high probability of containing acid sulfate soils, and (b) providing preference to land uses that will avoid or minimise the disturbance of acid sulfate soils, and (c) including requirements for managing the disturbance of acid sulfate soils to avoid or minimise the mobilisation and release of contaminants. Notes: 8. Mapping of climatic regions for stormwater management design objectives is available on the SPP Interactive Mapping System. 9. Water supply buffer areas are relevant to South East Queensland only and are mapped in the SPP Interactive Mapping System. The requirements of the Seqwater Development Guidelines do not apply within urban areas (as defined by the Sustainable Planning Regulation 2009). (SPP 2013, p.31) Part E of the single SPP includes interim development assessment requirements to ensure that state interests are appropriately considered by local government when assessing development applications where the local government planning scheme has not yet appropriately integrated the state interests in the SPP. (SPP, p.44) The Part E components of SPP 2013 relevant to water quality and the development assessment process are shown in the text box below (generally carried over from SPP 4/10 Healthy Waters). State interest water quality These requirements apply to development applications as follows: Receiving waters a development application for any of the following: (1) a material change of use for urban purposes that involves a land area greater than 2500 square metres that: (a) will result in an impervious area greater than 25 per cent of the net developable area, or (b) will result in six or more dwellings, or (2) reconfiguring a lot for urban purposes that involves a land area greater than 2500 square metres and will result in six or more lots, or (3) operational works for urban purposes that involve disturbing more than 2500 square metres of land. Water supply catchment in South East Queensland (Note: development applications not relevant to the

48 GBR catchment and not included here) Acid sulfate soils a development application that relates to: (1) an acid sulfate soils affected area, and (2) land at or below five metres Australian Height Datum (AHD) where the natural ground level is below 20 metres AHD, if the application is for a material change of use, or operational works, involving: (a) excavating or otherwise removing 100 cubic metres or more of soil or sediment, or (b) filling of land with 500 cubic metres or more of material with an average depth of 0.5 metres or more. The development application is to be assessed against the following requirements: For a development application mentioned under the heading Receiving waters Development: (1) avoids or otherwise minimises adverse impacts on the environmental values of receiving waters, arising from: (a) altered stormwater quality or flows, and (b) wastewater (other than contaminated stormwater and sewage), and (c) the creation or expansion of non-tidal artificial waterways, and (2) by demonstrating it complies with the SPP code: Water quality (Appendix 3).(SPP July 2014, p.48) For a development application mentioned under the heading Water supply catchment in South East Queensland (Note: requirements not relevant to the GBR catchment and not included here) For a development application mentioned under the heading Acid sulfate soils Development: (1) avoids the disturbance of acid sulfate soil by: (a) not excavating or otherwise removing soil or sediment that contains acid sulfate soil (ASS), and (b) not permanently or temporarily extracting groundwater that results in aeration of previously saturated ASS, and (c) not undertaking filling that results in moving ASS below the water table, or (2) ensures that the disturbance of ASS avoids or minimises the mobilisation release of acid and metal contaminants by: (a) neutralising existing acidity and preventing the generation of acid and metal contaminants, and (b) preventing the release of surface or groundwater flows containing acid and metal contaminants into the environment. (SPP July 2014, p.49) The SPP code: Water quality (Appendix 3), that a development application for receiving waters must comply with to be approved is provided in the text box below. Appendix 3 SPP code: Water quality Purpose The purpose of the SPP code: Water quality (see Table 2-7) is to ensure development is planned, designed, constructed and operated to manage stormwater and wastewater in ways that support the protection of environmental values identified in the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy (p.69) Table 2-7 SPP Code for Water Quality State Interest Performance outcomes Acceptable outcomes Plan to avoid/minimise new impacts PO1 AO1.1 The development is A site stormwater quality management plan (SQMP) is prepared, and:

49 planned and designed considering the land use constraints of the site for achieving stormwater design objectives a. is consistent with any local area stormwater management planning, and b. provides for achievable stormwater quality treatment measures meeting design objectives listed below in Table A (construction phase) and Table B (post construction phase), or current best practice environmental managements, reflecting land use constraints, such as: PO2 Development does not discharge wastewater to a waterway or off site unless demonstrated to be best-practice environmental management for that site PO3 Any non-tidal artificial waterway is located in a way that is compatible with the land use constraints of the site for protecting water environmental values in existing natural waterways erosive, dispersive, sodic and/or saline soil types landscape features (including landform) acid sulfate soil and management of nutrients of concern rainfall erosivity. Editor s note: Local area stormwater management planning may include Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plans, or Catchment or waterway management plans, Healthy Waters Management Plans, Water Quality Improvement Plans, Natural Resource Management Plans. (p.69) [added July 2014] AO2.1 A wastewater management plan (WWMP) is prepared by a suitably qualified person and addresses: a. wastewater type, and b. climatic conditions, and c. water quality objectives (WQOs), and d. best-practice environmental management, and AO2.2 The WWMP provides that wastewater is managed in accordance with a waste management hierarchy that: a. avoids wastewater discharges to waterways, or b. if wastewater discharge to waterways cannot practicably be avoided, minimises wastewater discharge to waterways by re-use, recycling, recovery and treatment for disposal to sewer, surface water and groundwater. AO3.1 If the proposed development involves a non-tidal artificial waterway: a. environmental values in downstream waterways are protected, and b. any groundwater recharge areas are not affected, and c. the location of the waterway incorporates low lying areas of a catchment connected to an existing waterway, and d. existing areas of ponded water are included, and AO3.2 Non-tidal artificial waterways are located: a. outside natural wetlands and any associated buffer areas, and b. to minimise disturbing soils or sediments, and c. to avoid altering the natural hydrologic regime in acid sulfate soil and nutrient hazardous areas. PO4 AO4.1 Any non-tidal artificial Where a non-tidal artificial waterway is located adjacent to, or is connected waterway is located in a to, a tidal waterway by means of a weir, lock, pumping system or similar: way that is compatible a. there is sufficient flushing or a tidal range of >0.3 m, or with existing tidal b. any tidal flow alteration does not adversely impact on the tidal waterway, waterways or c. there is no introduction of salt water into freshwater environments. (p.70) Design to avoid/minimise new impacts PO5 AO5.1 Stormwater does not Any non-tidal artificial waterway is designed and managed for any of the discharge directly to a following end-use purposes: non-tidal artificial a. amenity including aesthetics, landscaping and recreation, or waterway without b. flood management, or treatment to manage c. stormwater harvesting as part of an integrated water cycle management stormwater quality plan, or management d. aquatic habitat, and AO5.2 The end-use purpose of any non-tidal artificial waterway is designed and operated in a way that protects water environmental values

50 Construct to avoid/minimise new impacts PO6 AO6.1 Construction activities for An erosion and sediment control plan (ESCP) demonstrates that release of the development avoid or sediment-laden stormwater is avoided for the nominated design storm, and minimise adverse impacts minimised when the nominated design storm is exceeded, by addressing on stormwater quality. design objectives listed below in Table A (construction phase) or local equivalent, for: a. drainage control, and b. erosion control, and c. sediment control, and d. water quality outcomes, and AO6.2 Erosion and sediment control practices (including any proprietary erosion and sediment control products) are designed, installed, constructed, operated, monitored and maintained, and any other erosion and sediment control practices are carried out in accordance with local conditions and appropriate recommendations from a suitably qualified person, or AO6.2 The ESCP demonstrates how stormwater quality will be managed in accordance with an acceptable regional or local guideline so that target contaminants are treated to a design objective at least equivalent to Acceptable Outcome AO6.1. (p.71) Operate to avoid/minimise new impacts PO7 Operational activities for the development avoid or minimises changes to waterway hydrology from adverse impacts of altered stormwater quality and flow. PO8 Any treatment and disposal of waste water to a waterway accounts for: the applicable water quality objectives for the receiving waters, and adverse impact on ecosystem health or receiving waters, and in waters mapped as being of high ecological value, the adverse impacts of such releases and their offset. PO9 Wastewater discharge to a waterway is managed in a way that maintains ecological processes, riparian vegetation, waterway integrity, and downstream ecosystem health AO7.1 Development incorporates stormwater flow control measures to achieve the design objectives set out below in Table A (construction phase) and Table B (post construction phase). Both the construction and operational phases for the development comply with design objectives in Table A (construction phase), and Table B (post construction phase), or current best practice environmental management, including management of frequent flows, peak flows, and construction phase hydrological impacts. AO8.1 Implement the WWMP prepared in accordance with AO2.1. AO9.1 Wastewater discharge waterways is managed to avoid or minimize the release of nutrients of concern so as to minimize the occurrence, frequency and intensity of coastal algal blooms, and AO9.2 Development in coastal catchments avoids or minimises and appropriately manages soil disturbance or altering natural hydrology, and AO9.3 Development in coastal catchments: a. avoids lowering groundwater levels where potential or actual acid sulfate soils are present, and b. manages wastewaters so that:

51 Disturbed Disturbed Disturbed DRAFT - Reef Urban WQIP Guidance PO10 Any non-tidal artificial waterway is managed and operated by suitably qualified persons to achieve water quality objectives in natural waterways. (i) the ph of any wastewater discharged is maintained between 6.5 and 8.5 to avoid mobilisation of acid, iron, aluminium, and metals, and (ii) holding times of neutralised wastewaters ensures the flocculation and removal of any dissolved iron prior to release, and (iii) visible iron floc is not present in any discharge, and (iv) precipitated iron floc is contained and disposed of, and (v) wastewater and precipitates that cannot be contained and treated for discharge on site are removed and disposed of through trade waste or another lawful method. (p.72) AO10.1 Any non-tidal artificial waterway is designed, constructed and managed under the responsibility of a suitably qualified registered professional engineer, Queensland (RPEQ) with specific experience in establishing and managing artificial waterways, and AO10.2 Monitoring and maintenance programs adaptively manage water quality in any non-tidal artificial waterway to achieve relevant water-quality objectives downstream of the waterway, and AO10.3 Aquatic weeds are managed in any non-tidal artificial waterway to achieve a low percentage of coverage of the water surface area (less than 10%). Pests and vectors (such as mosquitoes) are managed through avoiding stagnant water areas, providing for native fish predators, and any other best practices for monitoring and treating pests, and AO10.4 Any non-tidal artificial waterway is managed and operated by a responsible entity under agreement for the life of the waterway. The responsible entity is to implement a deed of agreement for the management and operation of the waterway that: a. identifies the waterway, and b. states a period of responsibility for the entity, and c. states a process for any transfer of responsibility for the waterway, and d. states required actions under the agreement for monitoring the water quality of the waterway and receiving waters, and e. states required actions under the agreement for maintaining the waterway to achieve the outcomes of this code and any relevant conditions of a development approval, and f. identifies funding sources for the above, including bonds, headworks charges or levies. (p.73) Table A (construction phase) and Table B (post construction phase) design objectives for stormwater management mentioned in Acceptable outcome AO1.1 are reproduced below as Table 2-8 (Table A) and Table 2-9 (Table B). Table 2-8 Construction Phase Design Objectives Issue Design objectives Drainage Temporary 1. Design life and design storm for temporary drainage works: control drainage area open for <12 months 1 in 2-year ARI event works area open for months 1 in 5-year ARI event area open for > 24 months 1 in 10-year ARI event 2. Design capacity excludes minimum 150 mm freeboard 3. Temporary culvert crossing minimum 1 in 1-year ARI hydraulic capacity Erosion Erosion 1. Minimise exposure of disturbed soils at any time control control 2. Divert water run-off from undisturbed areas around disturbed areas measures 3. Determine the erosion risk rating using local rainfall erosivity, rainfall depth, soil-loss rate or other acceptable methods 4. Implement erosion control methods corresponding to identified erosion risk rating Sediment Sediment Design storm for sediment control basins

52 potential monthly average design TSS Turbidity ph DRAFT - Reef Urban WQIP Guidance control Water quality Waterway stability and flood flow management control measures Litter and other waste, hydrocarbons and other contaminants Changes to the natural waterway hydraulics and Sediment basin dewatering 1. Determine appropriate sediment control measures using: soil loss rate, or erosivity, or monthly rainfall 2. Collect and drain stormwater from disturbed soils to sediment basin for design storm event: storm for sediment basin sizing is 80th% five-day event or similar 3. Site discharge during sediment basin dewatering: < 50 mg/l TSS, and not >10% receiving waters turbidity, and Avoid wind-blown litter; remove gross pollutants 2. Ensure there is no visible oil or grease sheen on released waters 3. Dispose of waste containing contaminants at authorised facilities 1. For peak flow for the 1-year and 100-year ARI event, use constructed sediment basins to attenuate the discharge rate of stormwater from the site hydrology Note: Construction phase stormwater management design objectives apply to all climatic regions. (SPP July 2014, p.74) Table 2-9 Post Construction Phase Design Objectives Climatic region (Refer SPP Interactive Mapping System) South East Queensland Central Queensland (south) Central Queensland Design objectives Minimum reductions in mean annual load from unmitigated development (%) Total suspended solids (TSS) Total phosphorus (TP) Total nitrogen (TN) Gross pollutants >5 mm Application Development for urban purposes within population centres greater than 3000 persons As above # 90 As above. # Mackay Regional Council has adopted a 35% reduction for TN. (north) Dry Tropics 80 60* As above. *Townsville City Council has adopted a 65% reduction for TP. Wet Tropics As above. Cape York/FNQ Development for urban purposes within population centres greater than 25,000 persons. Western As above. Queensland All NA NA NA NA Excludes development that is less than 25% impervious. In lieu of modelling, the default bio-retention treatment area to comply with load reduction targets for all Queensland regions is 1.5% of the contributing catchment area.

53 Waterway stability management Catchments contributing to unlined receiving waterway. Local Limit the peak 1-year ARI event discharge within the receiving waterway to the predevelopment peak 1-year ARI event discharge. compliance if the waterway is government may not require degraded. For peak flow for the 1-year ARI event, use collocated storages to attenuate site discharge rate of stormwater. (SPP July 2014, p.75) Note: Climatic regions for post construction phase stormwater management design objectives are shown in Figure 2-7. Figure 2-7 Climatic Zones Note: Source is While Queensland legislation is the primary source of potential regulatory processes for water quality in urban areas Commonwealth legislation can also have an influence

54 2.11 Commonwealth Legislation Commonwealth legislation is particularly relevant to marine areas and/or the impact of terrestrial activities on the Great Barrier Reef. Relevant and related Commonwealth legislation (by enactment date) includes: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act an Act to establish a Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and related management purposes to provide for the long term protection and conservation of the environment, biodiversity and heritage values of the Great Barrier Reef Region (GBRMP Act, p.1); The Environmental Protection (Sea Dumping) Act an Act providing for the protection of the environment by regulating dumping into the sea, incineration at sea and artificial reef placement; The Fisheries Management Act 1991 ensuring that the exploitation of fisheries resources and the carrying on of any related activities are conducted in a manner consistent with the principles of ecologically sustainable development (FM Act, p.3); The National Environmental Protection Council Act 1994 (the Act) - establishes a statutory body, the National Environmental Protection Council (NEPC), consisting of members of the Commonwealth, the states and the territories, which can make national environment protection measures (NEPM) e.g. National Pollutant Inventory (NPI); The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act commenced 16 July 2000 and is the Australian Government's key piece of environmental legislation; EPBC Act 1999 The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) applies, amongst other things, to matters of national environmental significance (MNES) i.e. matters protected. Where there is potential for a significant impact on a MNES, approval may be required from the relevant Commonwealth Government Minister. MNES defined under the EPBC Act include: World Heritage Areas properties listed for natural values; National Heritage Areas places listed for natural values; Wetlands of international importance (listed under the Ramsar convention); Migratory species (protected under international agreements); Listed threatened species; Listed threatened ecological communities; Great Barrier Marine Park; Commonwealth marine areas. Impacts on the Great Barrier Reef may be a MNES under World Heritage Areas properties listed for natural values and Great Barrier Marine Park. Therefore any land based activities in the Great Barrier Reef catchment that could impact the Great Barrier Reef are also matters of national environmental significance. MNES are usually dealt with through the development assessment process in Queensland including by referral of proposed actions to the Commonwealth Minister responsible for the administration of the EPBC Act to make a determination as to whether the proposed action is a controlled action, and if so the level of assessment required and the information to be provided to the Minister to enable a decision to made about the appropriateness of the proposed action proceeding. Further guidance about MNES can be found in Matters of National Environmental Significance: Significant impact guidelines 1.1 Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Department of Environment 2013) EPBC offsets The Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEWR) released the Draft Policy Statement: Use of environmental offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, publication in At the time the Australian Government was considering environmental offsets as part of its process of taking a decision on whether to approve proposed actions under the EPBD Act. A more detailed discussion of the issues associated with the draft policy statement could be found in the

55 companion document, Use of Environmental Offsets under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Discussion Paper. The 2007 publications have been superseded by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPaC) 2012 publication, Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 Environmental Offsets Policy (EPBC Act Policy) and associated guidance material. The new policy provides additional detail and guidance regarding how the department determines what constitutes a suitable offset. The new policy also has an increased focus on the conservation gain that is delivered by an offset. (DSEWPaC 2013, Q&A OFFSETS UNDER NATIONAL ENVIRONMENT LAW) The scope of the EPBC Act offset policy is included in the text box below. If a proposed development or other action ( proposed action ) is likely to have a significant impact upon a protected matter [includes matters of national environmental significance] then it must be referred for assessment under the EPBC Act. Proposed actions may range from a housing development, an offshore gas project, a mining project, to the construction of a road. This policy relates to all matters protected under the EPBC Act ( protected matters ). These are: world heritage properties; national heritage places; wetlands of international importance (listed under the Ramsar Convention); listed threatened species and ecological communities; migratory species protected under international agreements; Commonwealth marine areas; the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; the environment, where nuclear actions are involved; the environment, where actions proposed are on, or will affect Commonwealth land and the environment; the environment, where Commonwealth agencies are proposing to take an action. The policy applies to offsetting requirements in terrestrial and aquatic (including marine) environments. The policy applies to both project-by-project assessments and approvals under Parts 8 and 9 of the EPBC Act and to strategic assessments under Part 10 of the EPBC Act. Proposed new strategic assessments may consider alternative metrics other than the Offset assessment guide (e.g. if a jurisdiction has developed a metric tailored to their needs) provided the principles of this policy are met. This will be considered on a case by case basis. (EPBC Act Policy, p.5) The term environmental offsets refers to measures that compensate for the residual adverse impacts of an action on the environment. Offsets provide environmental benefits to counterbalance the impacts that remain after avoidance and mitigation measures. These remaining, unavoidable impacts are termed residual impacts. For assessments under the EPBC Act, offsets are only required if residual impacts are significant. 1 1 As defined in Significant impact guidelines 1.1 matters of national environmental significance and Significant impact guidelines 1.2 actions on, or impacting upon, Commonwealth land and actions by Commonwealth agencies, available at (EPBC Act Policy, p.7) Current context The most relevant current context for EPBC offsets revolves around activities associated with ports and in particular dredging for maintenance of existing channels and to expand operations. A snippet of the conversation from a recent press release associated with port dredging operations is provided in the text box below. ABBOT POINT AND PORT OF GLADSTONE - 150% WATER QUALITY BENEFIT The Abbot Point and Gladstone Port projects were carefully assessed for their potential impacts on the Outstanding Universal Value of the Great Barrier Reef including on water quality. Strict conditions have been placed on all these projects to ensure that any impacts are avoided, mitigated or offset

56 A net benefit test has been applied in setting conditions on each project in order to reverse the water quality decline identified in the Great Barrier Reef region strategic assessment, by requiring substantial offset packages. For example, with the Abbot Point dredging and spoil disposal project, in order to address the cumulative impacts of dredging on water quality, the company must offset the amount of fine sediments released into the marine environment and available for re-suspension by 150 per cent. This will be done by funding onshore activities to reduce the amount of fine sediment entering the Great Barrier Reef lagoon from catchment areas. The result will be a long term net reduction of fine sediments entering the Great Barrier Reef from land based sources, well beyond the life of this project. A similar 150 per cent offset condition has been imposed on the dredging component of the Curtis Island LNG development. The comprehensive set of conditions put in place to protect water quality is outlined below. North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation Limited - Abbot Point Terminal 0, 2 & 3 Capital Dredging At least 38 million cubic metres of dredging was proposed for Abbot Point. Under these approvals, dredging is limited to a total volume of up to 3 million cubic metres. No more than 1.3 million cubic metres of sediment can be dredged or disposed of in a year, unless the proponent can demonstrate that increased dredging will not compromise water quality. Dredging and disposal activities can only be undertaken between 1 March and 30 June each year to protect water quality during critical times for seagrass growth and coral spawning. The proponent must prepare and submit to the Minister a number of plans prior to the commencement of dredging and disposal activities: Dredging And Spoil Disposal Management Plan this plan requires early warning trigger levels for water quality and ecosystem health to address possible impacts from turbidity, sediment deposition and impacts on seagrass. Abbot Point Ecosystem Research And Monitoring Program this program requires monitoring of water quality and ecosystem health within a Great Barrier Reef water quality monitoring framework. It requires the validation of hydrodynamic modelling, and the development of measures to monitor water quality (including where sediment travels from the dredging and disposal site) and seagrass health and recovery. Disposal Site Analysis Plan this plan requires the identification of alternative disposal sites for analysis and must outline a process for public consultation. Disposal will only be allowed at an alternative site if it would have the equivalent or lesser impacts than the site identified in the Public Environment Report. Any alternative dredge disposal site must be approved by the Minister. Offsets Plan this plan requires the proponent to address the potential loss of seagrass and outline the net benefit outcome to the World Heritage Area. It will address impacts on water quality by requiring an offset for the fine sediments resulting from the dredging and dredge spoil disposal activities and available for re-suspension by an equivalent 150% reduction in the load of fine sediments entering the marine environment from the Burdekin and Don catchments. A dredging Technical Advice Panel will be formed to provide independent advice to North Queensland Bulk Ports on the development, endorsement, implementation and review for adaptive management purposes of the dredging and spoil disposal management plan, Abbot Point ecosystem research and monitoring program and the offsets plan. Adani T0 coal terminal The proponent must prepare and submit to the Minister a number of plans prior to the commencement of the construction of the coal terminal and offshore jetty/trestles: Terrestrial Management Plan - for the construction and operational phases of the project which must, among other things, address water quality impacts, including from runoff from coal stockpiles and stormwater runoff. This includes actions to protect the Caley Valley Wetland from potential downstream impacts. Marine and Shipping Management Plan - to cover both the construction and operation of the project. The scope of this plan covers all aspects of shipping, including loading and ballast water management

57 to control marine pest risks, with Adani being required to reflect best practice mitigation and management measures to ensure protection of marine species and their habitat. Arrow Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facility The approval holder must develop a Dredge Management Plan and a Shipping Activity Management Plan, to address water quality impacts from dredging and shipping. Trigger levels for early warning of water quality impacts and for ceasing dredging must be included in the Dredge Management Plan. The Shipping Activity Management Plan must include measures to address turbidity from ship propeller and ship wakes and other potential water quality impacts from shipping. To ensure a net environmental benefit outcome, the proponent must offset any dredging impacts above water quality triggers identified in the Dredge Management Plan. This requires the proponent to invest in activities in the Great Barrier Reef catchment that will achieve an equivalent 150% reduction in the load of fine sediments entering the marine environment and available for re-suspension. This will ensure the project s contribution to cumulative impacts is addressed. Arrow Gas Transmission Pipeline All project activities will take place above the low tide mark, and only minor land-based disturbance is expected from the project. The pipeline will be tunnelled under Port Curtis to reduce impacts to the marine environment as far as possible. Water quality impacts (e.g. sedimentation and erosion) are expected to be minor and will be managed through state controls and conditions. The other area of interest which is a cross over from the Commonwealth to the State jurisdiction is the impact of urban point and diffuse source water quality pollutants on the GBR. A relevant publication that may help inform an offset scheme is Development of a Water Quality Metric, for Nutrient Offsets for Moreton Bay, Queensland: Final Report (ARUP 2007 for the Environmental Protection Agency). The report addresses the development of a water quality metric for nutrients offsets for Moreton Bay, using modelling as a basis to establish environmental equivalence ratios between different source types. Load mitigation scenarios have been modelled using the South East Queensland regional Environmental Management Support System (EMSS) and the Receiving Water Quality Model (RWQM) for the Southern Bay. The scenarios represent abatement actions that target key sources in the estuary which could be considered in an offset scheme. These include: Point Sources: Waste Water Treatment Plants and Aquaculture; and Diffuse Sources: Urban, Grazing and Sugar Cane Farms. The report includes descriptions of current conditions and loads, scenario conditions, how they were applied and an assessment of potential impacts on water quality, in terms of nutrients, arising from each mitigation scenario. (ARUP, p.1)

58 2.12 Urban Water Quality Issues Water quality issues vary across catchments as a function of land use, management regime and the level or stage of development. Issues associated with developed urban areas are significantly different from those of developing areas and relatively undeveloped and rural areas. (Gunn and Manning 2010b, p.24) Population growth is the primary driver of development activity and the associated demand for infrastructure and services and as such urban expansion is inextricably related to population growth. The conversion of natural areas to urban land use changes the hydrology of catchments due to physical alterations and especially through the increase in impervious surfaces and the installation of hard engineering stormwater systems. This results in less infiltration and an increase in the volume of stormwater runoff. This increase in runoff flow i.e. volume and intensity, also has implications for waterway health as an increase in bank and bed erosion is likely to result, especially for smaller streams i.e. order 1 and 2. (TWQIP, p.24 as modified) Figure 2-8 Urban Catchments Runoff vs Infiltration Notes: Source is Auckland City Council 2007 as appears in the Townsville WQIP (Gunn and Manning 2010b, p.24)

59 Apart from building on floodplains and other inappropriate locations, flood issues associated with urban areas are mostly a function of the amount/area of impervious surfaces created in the built environment. Urban stormwater runoff is accelerated with a subsequent spike in the hydrograph i.e. more water in a shorter timeframe (see text box below and Figure 2-9). Figure 2-9 Urban vs Non-urban Hydrograph Note: Source is means the difference between. The difference between urban and rural hydrographs Rural hydrographs and urban hydrographs have certain differences. First of all, as there are more impermeable surfaces like road and roof, urban hydrographs tend to have a higher peak flow. Also, urban areas have more drainage channels, such as sewers, where water can gather and flow quickly. These two factors make the urban hydrographs have a shorter lag time, a steeper rising limb and a steeper recessional limb (see Figure 2-9). Some of the common factors affecting hydrographs Climate: more intense rainfall -> shorter time lag; greater total of rainfall -> higher peak flow Soils: impermeable clay soils -> more flooding; permeable sand soils -> more infiltration Vegetation: interception of vegetation -> less flooding Infiltration capacity: soils with less infiltration capacity -> more overland flow -> higher flood peak & shorter lag time Rock type: permeable rocks -> reducing the flood peak Slope angle: steeper slopes -> greater runoff -> greater peak flow & shorter lag time Drainage density: more stream channels -> more water into rivers -> faster flood peak Human impact: dams disrupting the flow of water; creating impermeable surfaces and additional channels; afforestation increases interception. Source: (as modified) Additional commentary on the urban versus non-urban rainfall runoff is provided in the text box below

60 Figure 8 (above) Schematic representation of changes in peak stream flow due to adjustment of a perturbed watershed. The lag time is the interval between the mean rainfall occurrence and the mean run-off in response to such rainfall. The lag time can be significantly reduced as the watershed run-off characteristics are changed by paving and urbanization, vegetation change, over grazing, or weather pattern change. Most California streams have made marked adjustments over the past century, due, in part, to all of the above-cited factors. The creeks with the greatest flows adjust first, with successively smaller tributaries adjusting more slowly, due to their lower stream power. Arid areas generally take longer to adjust than do areas of greater precipitation and run-off. Many inverse condemnation suits seek damages from public agencies on the basis of drainage improvements reducing lag time, and therein increasing peak flows which are more destructive and erosive. Source: FLOOD DAMAGE: Evolving laws and policies for an ever-present risk J. David Rogers Missouri University of Science & Technology (presented at the San Francisco Insurance Claims Forum in San Francisco, April 16, 1997) available at: gation.html Differences in the permeability of urban and rural land surfaces lead to differences in their hydrographs. Urban streams have spikey hydrographs, that is stream flow goes up quickly during a rain storm event and then down quickly when the rain stops. Rural streams have much more gentle hydrographs, with stream flow going up more slowly during a rain storm and falling over a longer period after the rain event is over. Source is Notes: The above is from Gunn 2014, pp.1-3. Managing urban stormwater for both quantity and quality at the same time can alleviate the impacts of flooding through the application of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and installing water quality improvement measures that slow and retain/detain runoff and increase infiltration. By doing so the hydrograph is flattened out again reducing peak volumes and potential flood impacts

61 2.13 Pollutant Types and Sources (Note: Material in this section is principally from Gunn and Barker 2009 and Gunn and Manning 2010b, as modified) Chiew et al (1997) discuss the impacts of urban development on the environment in terms of: Stormwater pollutants generated; Increased run-off; and Alteration of natural stream environments. Principle pollutants of urban areas are; sediments, nutrients (principally nitrogen and phosphorus), oxygen demanding materials (biodegradable organic material), metals, toxic organic wastes (garden and household chemicals), pathogenic micro-organisms (bacteria, viruses etc), hydrocarbons and litter. Nutrient concentrations in urban stormwater are generally less than those from areas of intensive agriculture and significantly greater than from forested catchments (P is two to ten times greater) and undeveloped catchments (N is two to five times greater). As identified by Duncan (1995) the main process of stormwater contamination is from the accumulation of pollutant material on impervious surfaces during dry weather (buildup) including: Settling of fine particles from the atmosphere; Accumulation of fine particles and gross pollutants from local sources; and Redistribution of surface pollutants by wind and traffic. Some contaminants can be carried relatively long distances by wind and rain before being deposited (distributed sources) while others have a local origin. Some of the more significant local sources of pollutants are associated with motor vehicles and roadways. Local and distributed sources of urban stormwater pollutants as identified by Chiew et al (1995) are listed in Table Table 2-10 Urban Pollutants and Sources Distributed Sources Ash and smoke from bush fires Sea spray Swamp gases Windblown pollen, insects and microorganisms Dust from agricultural activities and roads Dust, ashes and emissions from industry Agricultural pesticides, herbicides and chemicals Local Sources Leaf litter, grass clippings and other vegetation Dog and other domesticated animal faeces Pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers Sewer overflows Sewer outlets illegally connected to stormwater systems Septic tank leakage Leakage and spillage of materials from; vehicles, storage tanks and bins Seepage from land fill waste disposal sites Waste water from cleaning operations Corrosion of roofing and other metallic materials Industrial emissions Vehicle emissions Vehicle component wear e.g. tyres and brakes Wear of road surfaces Erosion from construction activity and vegetation removal Litter plastic, glass and metal containers, plastic, foam etc. Levels and loads of urban stormwater pollution can be calculated relatively easily due to the small size of stormwater catchments and assumptions made which reduce the complexity and uncertainty associated with the calculations. Urban pollutant type and sources are further discussed in Gunn and Barker (2009) and include; atmospheric deposition, urban pets (poo), gross pollutants and development stages

62 2.14 Point Source Point source pollution is relatively easily identified as it involves intensive land use in a relatively small area. The pollutants are generally classed as waste products generated by the intensive activity and are discharged from the facility at a specific point or points e.g. pipe or chimney, hence the name point source discharge. The main point source water quality pollutant generator associated with urban areas is sewage/wastewater treatment plants (WWTP). The percentage contribution from this point sources will vary from year to year depending on rainfall, runoff and subsequent river flow, while actual discharge volumes from WWTPs remain relatively constant albeit with predictable incremental increases. Percentage contributions from WWTPs vary throughout the year also with proportional increases as the natural flow decreases during the drier months. Annual increases in discharge volumes associated with WWTPs can be easily related to population growth and can be readily predicted based on the business as usual scenario. However, with the expected population increases the amount of wastewater requiring treatment also increases. Regardless of the improved efficiency of treatment plants and nutrient concentration reductions population increase will inevitably result in increased nutrient loads as additional volumes of wastewater are treated and subsequently released from the WWTPs. Alternative measures to the release of treated wastewater to receiving waters need to be put in place if this significant source of increasing nutrient load is to be adequately addressed in the longer term. The obvious solution is the reuse of treated wastewater for industrial purposes or some form of land based distribution e.g. irrigation. (Source is the Townsville WQIP, pp.30-2) The two main data sets used to identify less obvious point source discharges and to confirm discharge types are: Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs) (licensed through the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) (see section 2.9.2); and The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) ( Additional information may be obtained from an emerging project being implemented by the Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts (DSITIA) (Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Sciences, Science Delivery Division) is transitioning the Point Source Database (PSD) across to a new system known as WaTERS i.e. Water Tracking and Electronic Reporting System (see text box below and About WaTERS The Water Tracking and Electronic Reporting System (WaTERS) is a Queensland Government initiative designed to receive, store and report on water-related information collected by industry as part of approval conditions under the Environmental Protection Act (1994). WaTERS provides a systematic means of compliance checking and sharing of data between organisations and the government. WaTERS can be used to replace many of the reporting requirements of environmental approval holders. This represents a major advancement that will help improve the regulation of industry through better use of monitoring data and simplified reporting and notification. The information stored in WaTERS will also assist with assessing new approvals. WaTERS has been developed by the Science Delivery Division of DSITIA on behalf of the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (EHP). The system is designed to store many types of data including water quality, sediment quality, water flow and biological monitoring data and at a range of monitoring points. Release to surface water is the initial focus for implementation and data is being collected on releases, receiving environment monitoring and water storages. WaTERS implementation may then be expanded to groundwater monitoring data. What happened to the Point Source Database (PSD)? Two versions of the Point Source Database (PSD) were developed and implemented for water releases for 150 sites across Queensland including large sewage treatment plants (STPs), large industries in South-East Queensland and coal seam gas (CSG) releases. WaTERS has replaced PSD and will continue to store those data previously collected. Existing PSD customers, such as STP operators, have

63 been the first to submit data to WaTERS. In the future, these customers will be given the opportunity to report non-compliance and other events through WaTERS and submit other types of monitoring data. (Source: DSITIA 2014, WaTERS: Water Tracking & Electronic Reporting System) 2.15 Diffuse Source Duncan (1995) describes the physical processes, which contribute to the contamination of diffuse source urban stormwater runoff. Understanding these processes and associated pollutant sources can assist with the selection of management practices to reduce the amount of stormwater pollutants reaching receiving waters. Some of the processes discussed (see Figure 2-10) include: Wet and dry deposition of contaminants from the atmosphere including interception on vegetation and artificial above-ground structures (1), (2) and (3); Build-up of contaminants on impervious surfaces (4); Wash-off from surfaces into formed channels or pipes (5); Transport along channels and pipes (6); Quality changes during storage e.g. wetlands; Receiving waters influence (7). Figure 2-10 Physical Processes Note: Numbers relate to the processes described in the dot points above and are: 1 Wet deposition, 2 Dry deposition, 3 Intercept, 4 Build-up, 5 Wash-off, 6 Transport and 7 Receiving waters. (Source is Gunn and Barker 2009, p.31)

64 A report prepared by Duncan (1999) titled Urban Stormwater Quality: A Statistical Overview collates literature from around the world. It is used as the main reference document in Australia in the absence of adequate local data on urban stormwater quality. The report assesses the broad scale behaviour of urban run-off, the quality of stormwater, land use interactions and catchment characteristics. The water quality variables and catchment characteristics assessed in the review are listed in Table Table 2-11 Catchments and Water Quality Water Quality Variables Catchment Characteristics ph Metals: % of: Catchment area (ha) Suspended solids (SS) Lead Residential Impervious % Turbidity Zinc Industrial Urban % Total phosphorus (TP) Copper Commercial Population density Cadmium Institutional (people/ha) Total nitrogen (TN) Chromium Urban open space Roads % Chemical oxygen demand (COD) Nickel Other urban Traffic density Iron Agricultural (vehicles/day) Biochemical oxygen demand Manganese Forest Roofs % (BOD) Mercury Other rural Oil and grease Mean annual rainfall Total organic carbon (TOC) (mm) Microbiological: Total coliforms Fecal coliforms Fecal streptococci Note: Microbiological measurement used is number of organisms per 100mL, turbidity measured in NTU and other parameters in milligrams per litre (equivalent to parts per million). Source is Gunn and Barker 2009, p.34. Duncan (1999) found that pollutant concentrations in urban stormwater are approximately log-normally distributed for all water quality parameters investigated. The exception was ph, which is approximately normally distributed. This study coupled with the 1995 Duncan study forms the base for the quantitative measurement of stormwater pollutant types and sources in urban Australia Land use pollutant hotspots An investigation was conducted for the Townsville WQIP to identify key pollutants and the broad land use classes likely to generate them as a precursor to determining pollutant hotspots. The summary results are reproduced in Table Table 2-12 Pollutants and Land Use Pollutant Suspended Solids Phosphorous Nitrogen Hydrocarbons Tri-butyl Tin Herbicides Description Generated when surface water flows collect and transport unstabilised soils and sediment. Can result in smothering of aquatic habitats and restriction of light penetration Generated from faecal material, and fertilizers, transported by surface rainfall runoff. Encourages algal growth and eutrophication Generated from fecal material, and fertilizers, transported by surface rainfall runoff. Encourages algal growth and eutrophication Liquid fuels (diesel, petroleum, oil). Can result in smothering of aquatic habitats. Morbidity and mortality in freshwater species, and impact upon reproductive cycle Tri-butyl Tin (TBT) is a common antifouling additive used in paints applied to ship hulls. It is a contaminant that is commonly associated with sediments around ports. Results in morbidity and mortality in freshwater species, and impact upon reproductive cycle Applied to gardens and horticulture to control weeds, transported aerially or by surface rainwater runoff. Can result in morbidity and mortality in freshwater species Associated Land Use Types Urban (particularly construction), Intensive Agriculture, Rural Urban, Industrial, Intensive Agriculture Urban, Industrial, Intensive Agriculture Urban, Commercial Industrial, Industrial - Ports and marinas Intensive Urban Agriculture,

65 Pollutant Description Applied to gardens and horticulture typically to control pests such as insects, transported aerially or by surface rainwater Pesticides runoff. Can result in morbidity and mortality in freshwater species Metals such as mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium. Can result Heavy Metals in morbidity and mortality in freshwater species (ecotoxicity) Source: Worley Parsons 2008, Table 2.2, pp.5-6, in Gunn and Barker Associated Land Use Types Intensive Agriculture, Urban Urban/Industrial In addition three non-toxic pollutant sources that could impact water quality were identified as: Hydrologic stress - results from increases in impervious cover in a catchment, causing higher flow velocities and frequencies than occur naturally; Gross pollutants - litter generated typically in commercial areas. This is an aesthetic water quality detractor; however plastic litter in waterways may result in ingestion and associated complications in aquatic animals; and Antibiotics and other pharmaceuticals (from treated sewage outflows, septic tanks, intensive animal production) may interfere with normal disease resistance and reproductive cycles of aquatic organisms. The identified pollutants properties were rated (from 1 to 4) and the potential impact of the pollutants classed as Low (0-1), Medium (1-2), High (2-3) or Extreme (3-4) based on: persistence (P) in the environment; potential to bioaccumulate (B); toxicity (T) and secondary effects (S). On the basis of the impact classifications and typical/expected pollutant generation from various secondary land uses the six principal land use classes were assigned a notional pollutant generation rating (see Table 2-13). It should be noted that the pollutant generation rating is concentration based and not load based. Table 2-13 Pollution Generation Rates Secondary Land Use Category Nature conservation Other minimal use Marsh/wetland Reservoir/dam River Residential Grazing natural vegetation Intensive animal production Services Transport and communication Utilities Plantation forestry Production forestry Intensive animal production Services Transport and communication Perennial horticulture Irrigated cropping Irrigated perennial horticulture Irrigated seasonal horticulture Manufacturing and industrial Mining Waste treatment and disposal Land Use Grouping by Usage Intensity Minimal Use (Natural) Urban (residential)/ Rural Commercial / Intensive Agricultural Industry (including ports and railway yards) Source: Worley Parsons 2008, Table 3.4, pp.11-12, in Gunn and Barker 2009, p.18. Notional Pollutant Generation Rating Low Moderate High Extreme

66 Mackay areal land use calculations The relative contribution by land use of the main diffuse source pollutants impacting water quality in the Mackay Whitsunday region were calculated through a combination of modelling and water quality event monitoring for the WQIP (2008). Point source pollutant discharge from sewage treatment plants (STPs) was included in urban land use when calculating the diffuse source end of catchment loads. Areal diffuse source sediment and nutrient generation rates (kg/ha) estimated from local river load data were found to be similar for urban areas and sugar cane growing areas with urban areas being the highest areal pollutant generator of all the land use categories (see Table 2-14). Bushland/conservation had the lowest rates with grazing being intermediate and closer to bushland than the intensive uses. Table 2-14 Areal Pollutant Generation Land use % land % % % DIN % PN % FRP % PP % TSS use Pest1 Pest2 Conservation Grazing Horticulture < <1 <1 0 Cane Intensive uses <1 <1 0 Urban <1 <1 0 Dams/reservoirs 1 Wetlands 6 Source: MWNRM 2008, p.12, in Gunn and Barker Notes: DIN is dissolved inorganic nitrogen, PN is particulate nitrogen, FRP is filterable reactive phosphorus, PP is particulate phosphorus, and TSS is total suspended solids. Pest1 is ametryn, atrazine, diuron and hexazinone (grouping of pesticides predominantly used in sugar cane) and Pest2 is tebuthiuron (predominantly used in grazing). As point sources were included in the urban pollutant contribution figures the areal diffuse source contribution was not accurately presented, however it does show the relative importance of urban areas and intensive uses in water quality pollutant generation as a function of land use Townsville big 3 monitoring The Townsville WQIP provided additional information about diffuse source pollutant generation rates through event water quality monitoring ( ) confirming anecdotal evidence and modelling. The Townsville results were combined with results from the Burdekin to provide comparative water quality pollutant generation rates for sediment (Figure 2-12), nitrogen (Figure 2-13) and phosphorus (Figure 2-14). Figure 2-11 shows modelled results of total suspended solid (TSS) generation rate by land use. Figure 2-11 TSS Load Comparison Source: Townsville WQIP, Figure 3.5 Relative Annual Areal Sediment Generation Rate by Land Use, p

67 As can be seen in Figure 2-11 the amount of sediment (TSS) generated annually from urban areas is higher than for natural areas (Forest) on an areal basis i.e. kilograms per hectare, and similar to the agricultural land use sediment generation rates. Sediment generation from developing areas however, is at the extreme, high end of the spectrum. The sediment generation rate from developing areas as a result of soil erosion is significantly higher per hectare than for any other land use. As an example if we assume that a soil erosion rate of 1mm per hectare is roughly equivalent to 10 tonnes of sediment generation per hectare then this equates to an erosion rate of 3.5mm per hectare per year for developing areas compared to less than 0.1mm per hectare per year for the other land uses. Sediment concentrations measured in waterways of catchments associated with particular land uses are shown in Figure These results confirm the observed high erosion rates and sediment movement associated with developing areas inferred in the modelled results. Figure 2-12 TSS Concentration by Land Use Source: Townsville WQIP, Figure 3.6 Sediment Concentrations Associated with Land Use, p.34. Nutrient concentrations measured in waterways of catchments with particular land uses are shown in Figure 2-13 for nitrogen and Figure 2-14 for phosphorus. Measured nutrient concentrations in receiving waters with stormwater runoff from developed urban areas are generally less than concentrations in receiving waters with runoff from areas of intensive agriculture, and are significantly greater than from forested catchments (phosphorus is two to ten times greater) and undeveloped catchments (nitrogen is two to five times greater). Nutrient concentrations generated from developing areas can be as high as those from intensive agriculture and grazing, due in part to activities associated with development such as vegetation removal and soil disturbance. This disturbance can lead to higher erosion rates and the mobilisation of near-surface nutrient stores in the soil, with potential for transport of the nutrients to waterways in both particulate and soluble forms

68 Figure 2-13 Total Nitrogen Concentration by Land Use Source: Townsville WQIP, Figure 3.7 Relative Nitrogen Concentration by Land Use (µg/l), p.34. Figure 2-14 Total Phosphorus Concentration by Land Use Source: Townsville WQIP, Figure 3.8 Relative Phosphorus Concentration by Land Use (µg/l), p

69 Heavy metals Heavy metals e.g. cadmium, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, mercury, zinc, are often found to be more prevalent in runoff from urban areas than in rural streams, as a result of higher densities of source emissions such as motor vehicle wear of tyres and brakes, vehicle emissions, road and pavement degradation, water pipes, roof corrosion and industrial activity e.g. spillages and dust from material handling of metal ores. Metals and their compounds are therefore a potential pollutant issue as excessive levels of metals can be toxic to aquatic organisms and can bioaccumulate and be passed along the food chain. National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) substances that are typically emitted from paved and unpaved roads are listed in Table As can be seen the majority of the pollutants are metals. Table 2-15 Typical Road Related Pollutants Pollutants Antimony and compounds Copper and compounds Nickel and compounds Arsenic and compounds Lead and compounds Particulate Matter 10mm Cadmium and compounds Manganese and compounds Selenium and compounds Cobalt and compounds Mercury and compounds Zinc and compounds Hydrocarbons etc. Hydrocarbons are generally liquid fuels and oils e.g. diesel and petroleum, however there is a wide range of hydrocarbons in everyday use e.g. cleaning fluids. Many are highly volatile and readily evaporate when exposed to air. Hydrocarbons with higher oil content are more likely to persist in the environment. Hydrocarbon derivatives stem from oil and grease used in lubricants, protective coatings, combustible fuels and detergents. Spills of such oils can exceed recommended levels and result in short term toxicity. Further, surfactants found in detergents can impact on aquatic flora and fauna by damaging biological membranes. Excessive hydrocarbons can result in smothering of aquatic habitats. They can also increase morbidity and mortality in freshwater species, and have impacts upon reproductive cycles Other chemicals Detergents, acids and other chemicals used in the urban environment can contribute to water quality issues especially when they are used on impervious surfaces and are washed directly into urban stormwater systems. While most chemicals do not enter waterways in large enough quantities to have an impact, chemicals that add to the load of other pollutants are a water quality issue e.g. phosphates in detergents Gross pollutants Gross pollutants include plastics and other packaging, garden waste (lawn clippings, leaves and other plant material) and coarse sediment. While the litter component of gross pollutants is an aesthetic water quality detractor, there can also be deleterious impacts on aquatic animals from plastic litter in waterways through ingestion and entanglement. Organic material i.e. leaves, twigs and grass clippings, constitute the largest proportion of gross pollutant load (by mass) carried by urban stormwater. Organic gross pollutants can lead to oxygen depletion during decomposition as a result of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and also release nutrients, albeit relatively slowly. Oxygen depletion can result in fish kill events. If unmanaged gross pollutants also have the potential to obstruct stormwater systems and may contribute to localised flooding Acid sulfate soils In addition to sediment and nutrient mobilisation, developing areas also have the potential to unlock acid sulfate soils and cause significant ecological and environmental damage through water contamination. Acid sulfate soils contain iron sulphides with the most common form being pyrite (FeS 2 ). Acid sulfate soils (ASS) are formed when seawater or sulphur rich water mixes with land sediments containing iron oxides and organic matter in a waterlogged situation i.e. in the absence of oxygen (anaerobic state). They commonly occur on coastal wetlands as layers of Holocene marine muds and sands deposited in protected low-energy environments such as barrier estuaries and coastal lakes. Deposits of acid sulfate soils (ASS) and potential ASS (PASS) are commonly found less than five metres above sea level, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. Mangroves, salt marshes, floodplains, swamps,

70 wetlands, estuaries, and brackish or tidal lakes are ideal areas for acid sulfate soil formation. When PASS is exposed to oxygen through development activities e.g. excavation, the material oxidises. ASS have already been exposed and oxidised. When water percolates through the ASS sulphuric acid is leached out of the soil with significant consequences for the surrounding environment Atmospheric deposition Atmospheric deposition results from material that is gaseous or suspended in the atmosphere that settles on water, land, vegetation or structures as dry deposition or as wash down by rain (wet deposition). Compounds most commonly found in atmospheric deposition include nitrogen, sulphur and particulate matter, all of which can have impacts on water quality if atmospheric concentrations are high. Nitrogen is the main nutrient in natural atmospheric deposition. Plants respond to rainfall as the wash down of nitrogen and traces of other elements provides a form of natural fertiliser. There are two components to atmospheric deposition across a catchment i.e. direct deposition to water and deposition to land. Deposition to water is a direct contribution and can be calculated by determining the area of water in each catchment and multiplying this by the deposition rate to give a load that can be used to determine the overall contribution in terms of end of catchment loads. For non-urban land use atmospheric deposition to land is not directly measurable as there are a number of confounding factors such as processes associated with nutrient uptake and cycling and intra catchment erosion and sedimentation. Atmospheric deposition to urban areas is a different story as impervious surfaces can provide a direct conduit for nitrogen to receiving waters via stormwater systems. This is also the case for sediment, phosphorus and heavy metals albeit to a lesser extent. The greater the impervious area the greater the impact of atmospheric deposition of nitrogen. Calculations for the Townsville WQIP found that atmospheric deposition across the entire catchment for sediment, phosphorus, heavy metals, pesticides and sulphur dioxide did not contribute measurably to water quality issues. An estimate of average atmospheric deposition of particulate matter (PM10) from all sources for the Townsville urban footprint (250 square kilometres) is 15 kg/ha/year (375 tonnes/year), which is equivalent to a depth of millimetres per year Developing and Developed Urban In the urban context it is the developing areas that contribute the greatest sediment pollutant loads to waterways while the developed urban areas contribute greater relative contributions of nutrients. In the rural context grazing lands contribute greater relative amounts of sediment while intensive agriculture contributes greater relative loads of nutrients

71 3. Urban WQIP Framework 3.1 Lessons from the Townsville (Urban) WQIP While the implementation focus of the Townsville WQIP is on turban land use the catchment management Pressure-State-Response approach used encompassed all land uses within the Townsville WQIP area. The table of contents from the Townsville WQIP is reproduced (to the second heading/ sub section level) in Table 3-1 (see Appendix B for more detail). Table 3-1 Townsville Urban WQIP Contents Section Sub sections 1 Introduction The GBR and Why we need to improve water quality 2 Characteristics Background Land use Recent population growth 3 Know the issues, pressures and threats Some Background and Assumptions Issues and Development Stage Population Growth Water Quality Pollutants and Sources Land Use and Pollutant Contributions Urban Specific and Point Source Pollutants Urban Diffuse Peri-urban Diffuse Rural Diffuse Atmospheric Deposition Climate Change Impacts on Receiving Waters Ecosystem Health 4 Catchment Condition and Environmental Values State of the Black River and Ross River Basins Determining Environmental Values Environmental Values for the Black Ross WQIP Area 5 Water Quality Objectives and Targets Introduction Water Quality Condition Indicators Water Quality Guidelines Relevant to the Dry Tropics Water Quality Objectives Sustainable Loads Point Source Loads Diffuse Source Loads and Targets Water Sensitive Urban Design (Stormwater) Stormwater Design Objectives for Developing Areas Aquatic Ecosystem Health 6 Water Quality Improvement Management Actions Introduction Priority Management Actions Urban Water Quality Management Peri-urban Management Actions Rural Management Actions Enabling Management Actions Management Action Targets Summary Cost of Improved Water Quality and Ecosystem Health Roles and Responsibilities Integration With Other Processes 7 Progress Reporting and Adaptation WQIP Monitoring and Evaluation Water Quality Monitoring and Modelling Adaptive Management Conclusion 8 Bibliography and Abbreviations Appendix 1 Implementation actions The structure of the Townsville WQIP was prepared on the back of four supporting documents (see text box below) and as such a substantial body of work did not appear in the WQIP itself

72 1 Water Quality Pollutant Types and Sources Report: Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan (Gunn and Barker 2009) 2 Basins, Catchments and Receiving Waters of the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Area (Gunn and Manning 2009) 3 Environmental Values, Water Quality Objectives and Targets for the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan (Gunn, Manning and McHarg 2009) 4 Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report (Gunn and Manning 2010) As an example the WQIP only provided the final management actions rather than the detail behind the management action options included in Gunn and Manning (2010). To accommodate the matters included in the Townsville WQIP background reports the generic structure of a WQIP has been expanded to be more comprehensive as shown below. Note that the sections added are shown in blue. Introduction what and why; Catchment characteristics; Issues, pressures and threats; Catchment condition; Environmental values; Water quality objectives and targets; Ecosystem health targets; Options, costs and benefits; Management actions; Implementation schedule; Monitoring, evaluation, reporting, improvement (MERI) adaptive planning and management; References and resources. As a starting point for preparing a generic urban water quality improvement framework the background reports and contents of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP were used to identify the main differences between urban and rural land use and further define the specific components required to incorporate urban land use in WQIPs. 3.2 Generic Urban WQI Framework At the base of the urban water quality improvement (WQI) framework are three primary land use categories defined by pollutant source (Point or Diffuse) and development stage (Developing and Mature/developed) as illustrated in Figure 3-1. This grouping is directly relevant to the main water quality pollutant issues (see section 2.13, 2.14 and 2.15), which is necessary when identifying and assigning appropriate management practices that can be employed to improve water quality for each base urban land use grouping. Figure 3-1 Base Urban Land Use Grouping Diffuse sources Urban Land Use 1 Developing areas Infill and redevelopment (within mature urban) Greenfields (adjoining mature urban) Peri-urban areas/rural residential (separate from mature urban) 2 Mature urban areas Residential Commercial and industrial areas Transport infrastructure Parkland and open space 3 Point sources Wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) Other environmentally relevant activities (ERA) involving pollutant discharge to land/water

73 A generic framework for urban land use water quality improvement (WQI) and stormwater management action for the Great Barrier Reef catchments (and Queensland) is illustrated in Figure 3-2. Figure 3-2 Urban WQI Framework Point Source Regulated under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) as Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs). Includes sewage/ wastewater treatment plants (STP/WWTP) Diffuse source Principal legislation includes the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 through State Planning Policy (SPP) Also Environmental Protection (Water) Policy Context Action Treatment plant upgrades and land based disposal Strategic Plan / Policy Key public documents for LG to define its position about certain matters e.g. sustainability, flooding. Defines the strategic intent of Council to address identified issues. Culture of Council is a key factor. Developing areas Land use change from peri-urban, agriculture (grazing, sugarcane, horticulture etc.), minimal use and natural areas to urban / industry. Urban development is usually a one way path i.e. doesn t return to natural or other. Existing urban Legacy stormwater management and maintenance issues for local government (LG). Potential WSUD retrofit during [re] development. Adopt catchment management principles for strategic solutions. Behaviour change is key for LG, industry and community. Planning and Action ESC Erosion prevention and sediment movement control. Source control - LG works and private development. Compliance Principally to ensure conditions of development approvals are met by proponents. WSUD Incorporate water sensitive urban design to maintain natural functions and meet SPP (2013) objectives. Offsite Solutions Emerging industry driven matter. Need to maintain WSUD principles in proposed solutions. Development Assessment Local planning instruments e.g. planning scheme, reflect the SPP State interests Planning Scheme Policies Support planning schemes and signal principles, issues and options. USQM Improving urban stormwater quality management with a healthy waters management plan EPP Water Catchment Plans Strategic guidance integrating water quality, hydrology, biodiversity and ecological function. Communications - strategic and action based All forms of communication media including consultation, awareness raising, experiential training, mapping and GIS, websites and e- resources and behaviour change activities. Monitoring, evaluation, adaptation and reporting Notes: Urban includes: Residential commercial recreation (formal parks, sports grounds and walking/cycling paths) industrial (includes transport infrastructure) transport corridors - [environmental infrastructure is] natural areas waterways wetlands connecting corridors foreshore and estuaries protected areas. LG is local government

74 3.3 Adaptive Management Approach The urban water quality improvement framework is presented in an interconnected linear format which does not illustrate the necessity for an organic planning and implementation process to enable learning from experience to be incorporated in both current and future actions. This process of adaptive planning and management is represented conceptually in Figure 2-1. Figure 3-3 Adaptive Loops Note: Source is the Townsville WQIP (Gunn and Manning 2010b), pp The adaptive planning and management process was developed for the Townsville WQIP based on the general principles proposed by Eberhard et al (2008) in the double loop model. Creek to Coral recognised the need for flexibility to enable ongoing improvement during implementation, which necessarily includes an operational adaptive planning process i.e. the inner loop. The outer loop represents the formal evaluation and plan resetting process including for the overall WQIP. The inner loop is the more immediate process where doing, learning and improvement are part of a continuous cycle of action implementation. New stuff includes information that emerges from a broad range of sources and may include: New science findings e.g. bio-physical and social including behaviour change studies and learning; Legislative and policy change; Management practice advances; Altered relationships and maturing partnerships; Modified trend reporting and climate change implications. 3.4 Management Action Focus As discussed in section 2 and illustrated in Figure 3-1 and Figure 3-2 the source of pollutants and stage of development provides us with the starting point for developing management actions to address the characteristic of the base urban land uses Point source Water quality improvement actions for the main point source facilities are relatively simple and involve upgrades to STPs and/or land based disposal of treated effluent. Given the relative simplicity of addressing point source issues the urban water quality improvement framework is principally directed at addressing diffuse source water quality pollutants

75 3.4.2 Diffuse source As mentioned previously the primary water quality pollutants for developing urban areas and mature urban areas are different and as a consequence the management strategies and priority management actions for each land use are also different. Diffuse source water quality improvement for urban land use is achieved through a combination of regulatory provisions, voluntary initiatives and the adoption of a flexible integrated catchment management approach to total water cycle management. Both developing and mature urban areas require a significant awareness, behaviour change and capacity building program to ensure the appropriate water quality improvement measures are imbedded in the cultures of local government, the development industry, stormwater managers and the wider community. The relationships between the systems requiring protection and human activities associated with water quality are shown in a diagram extracted from the Townsville WQIP in Appendix B Developing urban Developing urban areas are highly vulnerable to soil erosion during the land development and construction phases having the potential to generate significant amounts of sediment per hectare (see section ) if appropriate management practices are not implemented. Poor management practices can adversely impact local waters initially and downstream environments such as the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) subsequently. Therefore the principle management intent for developing urban areas is to prevent soil erosion and the subsequent movement of sediment to waterways and wetlands. Planning and development assessment are key non-structural components of developing urban water quality improvement with the principle on-ground management focus being erosion prevention and reduction of associated movement of sediment to waterways, wetlands and estuaries. This is achieved through a variety of mechanisms commencing with conditions imposed during the development approval process. Additionally it is during the land development phase that planning and design for long term outcomes needs to be incorporated. Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) is applied during the development concept design phase for water quality improvement outcomes into the future. This is a critical to achieve maximum community and environmental outcomes and avoid unnecessary maintenance and refurbishment issues and post-development costs Mature urban Mature urban areas are not necessarily old rather they have passed through the development stage and are now greater than 90% built out or have groundcover re-established. Generally this means that they are no longer subject to high erosion rates and are now more likely to be leaking nutrients into waterways instead of sediment. The management intent for mature urban areas revolves around the maintenance of stormwater management infrastructure including the conversion from old school infrastructure i.e. flood mitigation/water removal only, to WSUD measures, which incorporate water quality improvement and flood mitigation as integral components. Managing stormwater systems in mature urban areas is principally the responsibility of local government however there are instances where this will be the responsibility of the Queensland Government and/or Federal Government through government agencies or government owned corporations e.g. ports. Incorporating WSUD in mature urban areas is usually more expensive than for developing urban areas as it has to be designed and executed after the development and construction phase i.e. retrofitting, rather than being an integral part of it. Non-structural components are therefore highly relevant in mature urban areas including imperatives to pursue multi-functional open space design and catchment planning incorporating regional water quality solutions. While not specifically investigated for this document an emerging area of interest is environmental offsets for biodiversity, ecosystem health and water quality (see section , and )

76 4. Urban ABCD Management Practice Classification 4.1 ABCD Classification System Origins The ABCD management practice classification system was first conceived by Mackay Whitsunday NRM for rural land uses i.e. grazing, sugar cane production and horticulture. Notes from the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP (MWWQIP) about the ABCD management practice framework concept are provided in the text box below. 8.1 Development of the ABCD framework for management practices The identification and validation of grazing, cane, horticulture and urban management practices that can improve water quality was a major focus throughout the development of the WQIP. A series of literature reviews and formal consultation processes with industry organisations and stakeholders, technical experts and land managers were used to identify and quantify the range of management practices that can be adopted. The ABCD framework was inspired by the grazing land condition ABCD classification. The original ABCD land condition scoring framework was developed by Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPIF) to assess and rate grazing land condition. The ABCD framework was designed to facilitate communication about the different levels or standards of management practice. for different water quality parameters i.e. sediment, nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous) and pesticides. The ABCD framework provides a standard definition and a scale of improvement from old to cutting edge practices. The ABCD framework is determined by criteria relating to: The resource condition achieved by adopting the level of practice in the short, medium and long terms ( A level practice should produce A level resource condition); The acceptability of the level of practice to the community; and The feasibility of achieving wide adoption of the level of practice in the short, medium and long terms, based on the degree of demonstrated or stakeholder endorsed cost effectiveness. (MWWQIP, p.45) General context about the rural land use ABCD management practice framework is provided in Table 4-1, as modified from the MWWQIP. Table 4-1 ABCD management practice classes and explanatory notes Class Description of Community and Effect on resource Effect on practice industry standard condition profitability A Cutting-edge When validated is an When validated, When validated, practices that require acceptable practice for practice likely to improves profitability further validation of the long term (may not achieve long term in the medium to environmental, social be universally endorsed resource condition long term. (May and economic as feasible by industry goals if widely reduce profitability costs/benefits and community) adopted during the transition) B Currently promoted Acceptable practice for Practice likely to Improves profitability practices often the medium term achieve medium in the short to referred to as Best term resource medium term Management condition goals if Practices widely adopted C Common practices. Acceptable practice Practice unlikely to Decline of profitability Often referred to as today but may not be achieve acceptable in the medium to Code of Practice acceptable in medium resource condition long term term goals if widely adopted D Old practices that are Superseded or Practice likely to Decline of profitability superseded or unacceptable practice degrade resource in the short to unacceptable by today condition if widely medium term industry and adopted community standards Source: MWWQIP, Table 29 Management classes and definition for ABCD framework for management practices, p

77 4.2 Reef Catchments Urban ABCD A preliminary urban ABCD management practice framework was also developed for the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP (2008) by Will Higham and Carl Mitchell in conjunction with Creek to Coral partners John Gunn (Earth Environmental) and Chris Manning (Townsville City Council) and Mackay Regional Council and Whitsunday Regional Council. Mackay Whitsunday NRM (now Reef Catchments) recognised the need to further develop and refine the ABCD management practice framework in their 2008 WQIP. More work is required to refine the ABCD framework for all industries such as: Tailor the wording of the descriptions to match industry terminology; Define the resource condition indicators; Validate the link between the resource condition indicators and the level of practice; and Define actions required to move from one level of management to another level of management, e.g., improving D resource condition for grazing land. (MWWQIP, p.46) Reef Catchments Urban Think Tank (UTT) was established in 2010 and the UTT developed a new version of the urban ABCD in As part of the 2014 update of the MWWQIP the urban ABCD was summarily reviewed by Earth Environmental prior to WQIP update discussions with local government (Mackay, Whitsunday and Isaac Regional Councils). The UTT version was found to be well beyond the scope of a classification system for urban water quality improvement and was not adopted/adapted for the WQIP update project. A summary of the progression of Reef Catchments urban ABCD management practice framework is provided in Appendix C. 4.3 Townsville ABCD A draft urban ABCD management practice classification was developed for the Townsville WQIP in 2009/10. One of the WQIP implementation actions was to refine the draft and quantify the urban ABCD management practices, however the Townsville WQIP was not funded through the Caring for our Country Reef Rescue program so little further work was done to progress the urban ABCD. Extracts from the Townsville WQI{P, the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report (Gunn and Manning 2010) and notes on the Townsville draft urban ABCD management practice classification system are provided in Appendix C. The Townsville example was used as the starting point for this current urban ABCD iteration. 4.4 Urban ABCD Management Practice Classification System As with the rural land use ABCD classification the urban ABCD management practice classification system is intended as a mechanism to relate management practice standards with their potential to either degrade, maintain or improve water quality and waterway health. The underlying assumption is that different management practice standards result in varying amounts of water quality pollutants leaving urban areas in stormwater runoff or as discharge from point sources. Theoretically and practically if we improve management practice standards then we can reduce the amount of water quality pollutants from urban land uses entering receiving waters. The urban ABCD management practice classification system could have a number of uses including to: Provide urban catchment managers with a list of practical stormwater quality improvement options; Inspire the collation of baseline stormwater quality management information; Provide a consistent scale of measurement relating urban stormwater management practices to water quality impacts; Provide a reference point to set targets for stormwater management practice improvement; Provide a reference point to measure improvements in stormwater management practice; Relate improvement in urban stormwater management practices to water quality pollutant concentration and/or load reductions; Highlight the connection between local water quality and the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR); Enable reporting of urban water quality improvement in a consistent format to other GBR land uses

78 4.4.1 Alignment with the urban WQI framework The generic urban water quality improvement framework (UWQIF) (see Figure 3-2) is the foundation for the ABCD management practice classification system. In the UWQIF the base urban land use groupings (see Figure 3-1) are related to functional implementation units and matched with appropriate water quality improvement activities. Point sources are legislated under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 as an Environmentally Relevant Activity (ERA) (see 2.9.2) and are subject to a completely different set of conditions and management actions to diffuse sources. As such point source ERAs are considered separately to diffuse source pollutants and have not been further divided into action areas. The water quality improvement action areas for urban diffuse source pollutants from the UWQIF are shown in Table 4-2. Table 4-2 Urban Diffuse Water Quality Improvement Implementation Framework Water Quality Improvement Action Area New Mature Policy, Planning and Partnerships Local Government (LG) - policy, strategic and operational plans and procedures* Total water cycle management planning approach (TWCMP) (with modelling) Planning Scheme 1, Regional Plans 1 and State Planning Policy 1 (SPP) Collaborative approaches - creating and nurturing relationships and partnerships Implementation planning into action Site Based Stormwater Management (SBSM) incorporating Erosion and sediment control (ESC) 1 Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) 3 Catchment-based urban stormwater quality management plans (USQMP) Implementation - communications and community involvement Awareness and education Training, experiential learning and demonstration sites Behaviour change Monitoring and Evaluation Monitoring Evaluation including modelling Reporting Adaptation for improvement Note: New is developing urban and Mature is mature (developed) urban. Tick size denotes the relevance and/or relative importance of the activity to the base urban land use. * Local government derives its authority from the Local Government Act denotes that the legislative head of power is the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 and subordinate legislation including; the single State Planning Policy (2013) and local planning instruments. 2 denotes that the legislative head of power is the Environmental Protection Act denotes that the nominal legislative head of power is the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2012 under the Environmental Protection Act These water quality improvement action areas from the UWQIF have been used as the basis for further developing the ABCD management practice classification system. While the relevance of some of the action areas for developing and mature urban land uses is similar the actual management practices and the messages communicated about the practices will be different. The differences are reflected in the urban ABCD management practice classification system by having separate classifications for: Point source for STPs (may be further subdivided for specific Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs) under the Environmental Protection Act 1994; Developing urban; Mature urban

79 The relationship of the urban ABCD management practice classification system with the urban water quality improvement framework is illustrated in Figure 4-1. Figure 4-1 Urban Water Quality Improvement and ABCD System Connections Urban Water Quality Improvement Point Source Sewage treatment plant (ERA 63) management practices A class B class C class D class Diffuse Source Developing urban management practices Development assessment Site based stormwater management Erosion and sediment control Water sensitive urban design Mature urban management practices Catchment and waterway planning Urban stormwater management planning WSUD measures maintenance Modelling and WSUD retrofits Communication and capacity building Policy, planning and partnerships Monitoring Evaluation - Improvement Reporting Legislative context A class practices B class practices C class practices D class practices A class practices B class practices C class practices D class practices Reef Reporting Processes-Programs

80 4.5 Applying ABCD Grades Distinguishing between the A, B, C and D categories is conceptually based on the characteristics in Table 4-3. Table 4-3 Urban Grading Category Characteristics A B C D Innovative, exceeds Best Practice and regulatory requirements Best Practice and meets all regulatory requirements including for planning, implementation and reporting Meets regulatory requirements for planning and development assessment. Some Best Practice but inconsistent implementation and reporting Little or no Best Practice and significant regulatory issues Developing Urban Developing urban land use consists of combinations of: Greenfield development; o Residential, Traditional low density, Medium density, High density/high rise. o Commercial and light industry (may include ERAs), o Heavy industry (may include ERAs). Large infill development i.e. < two hectares; Major transport infrastructure (includes roads, rail, energy transmission lines, water pipelines and associated corridors); o New, o Redevelopment. Urban development activities are undertaken by both the private and public sectors, are regulated principally through Queensland Government legislation and administered mostly by local government. A draft set of combined management practice actions for developing urban areas i.e. regulator/manager and public and private sector development, is included in Appendix C. The actions have been further refined and translated into draft A, B, C and D management practices based on the characteristics in Table 4-3 and as illustrated in Figure 4-2 for: local government as the development regulator and principle urban stormwater manager in the context of its local government area (see Table 4-4); private sector development activities (see Table 4-5); and public sector development activities (principally local government) (see Table 4-6)

81 Figure 4-2 Developing Urban Areas ABCD System Components State Legislation Private sector (see Table 4-5) Concept design and planning Water sensitive urban design is incorporated at earliest stages An integrated open space and stormwater management approach is adopted Development application All relevant matters are adequately addressed in the development application Implementation SBSMPs and ESC are properly implemented WSUD measures are installed in accordance with design specifications Maintenance is responsive to the site and meets development approval conditions and succession planning Notes: WSUD is water sensitive urban design. DA is development approval. ESC is erosion and sediment control. SBSMP is site based stormwater management planning. SPP is state planning policy. Public sector 1 (as development regulator) (see Table 4-4) Supporting policy and culture Strategic plan/s includes ecological sustainability principles, Adaptive, catchment-based total water cycle management approach within an ethos of environmental and social stewardship. Legislative planning instruments (local/state) Regional plan; State Planning Policy; Planning scheme; Planning scheme policy. Development assessment process Comprehensive guidance material available (internal and external); Clear, unambiguous assessment process; DA condition determination; o Staff competency, o Open to innovative solutions, o Negotiated outcomes possible including net gain environmental offsets. o DA conditions include, Compulsory site based stormwater management planning incorporating site specific Best Practice erosion and sediment control measures to meet SPP, WSUD measures to meet SPP, Compliance self-assessment options as appropriate. Compliance monitoring Responsive monitoring Compliance includes education, mentoring and training as the first option. Warning and enforcement action follows. Evaluation and improvement Ongoing review of processes for; o Development assessment, o Compliance monitoring. Ongoing capacity building. Reporting (links to external processes) Public sector 2 (as developer) (see Table 4-6) Supporting policy and culture Planning phase Comprehensive guidance material available to staff including for, o Concept design, o Site based stormwater management planning (SBSMP), o Erosion and sediment control (ESC) as part of SBMPs, o Risk assessment, o Implementing SBSMPs and ESC. Implementation phase; o Staff competency includes appropriate training, capacity building and site inductions (internal), o Compliance monitoring, o Performance evaluation, reporting and improvement. Notes: 1 applies mostly to local government. Where applicable substitute local planning instruments for state planning instruments or visa 2 versa. May be local or state government depending on the type of development or infrastructure being constructed.

82 Table 4-4 Draft Local Government Development Regulator/Manager ABCD Water Quality Improvement Activity Policy, Planning and Partnerships Policy and strategic planning Council actively supports catchment-based total water cycle management as a pathway for water quality and ecosystem health protection and improvement and this is reflected in its policies, strategies and initiatives which are resourced and implemented in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to accelerate water quality improvement outcomes Council acknowledges the need for a catchment-based total water cycle management approach to water quality and ecosystem health improvement and its policy supports the achievement of water quality improvement over time with available resources Council policy acknowledges the need for total water cycle management and ecosystem health protection in partnership with other stakeholders Council acknowledges the need for other stakeholders to improve water quality and ecosystem health A catchment management plan (as per the NWQMS), water quality improvement plan (WQIP) (as per Reef Plan 2003), total water cycle management plan (TWCMP) (as per the previous EPP Water including USQMP), healthy waters management plan (HWMP) (as per current EPP Water) or similar strategy plan prepared in conjunction with relevant stakeholders linking; flood mitigation, water sensitive urban design (WSUD), stormwater management (including erosion prevention), waterway management, potable water supply, wastewater treatment and water conservation with the protection of natural assets, environmental infrastructure, hydrological and ecological functions and ecosystem services A catchment management plan, WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar strategy plan prepared in conjunction with relevant stakeholders incorporating; flood mitigation, water sensitive urban design (WSUD), stormwater management (including erosion prevention), waterway management, wastewater treatment and water conservation A catchment management plan, WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar strategy plan prepared incorporating; flood mitigation, stormwater system management and water conservation No catchment-based strategic water quality improvement plans prepared An Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) prepared by Council for mature urban areas, as a component of a WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar, that links with and comprehensively integrates succession planning for environmental infrastructure from developing areas USQMP prepared by Council for mature urban areas, as a component of a WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar, and links with and/or integrates succession planning for developing areas USQMP prepared by Council as per the EPP Water (now superseded) No USQMP, or similar, prepared by Council Strategic landscape and comprehensive local scale mapping prepared for planning and decision making including for identification and prioritisation of areas for location of protection mechanisms and treatment measures for maximum water quality improvement benefits and outcomes Strategic landscape and local scale mapping prepared for planning and decision making including for identification and prioritisation of areas for location of protection mechanisms and treatment measures for water quality improvement Strategic landscape scale mapping prepared for planning and decision making for initial identification of areas for location of protection mechanisms and treatment measures for water quality improvement Acknowledged need for mapping to inform planning and decision making for water quality improvement Council stormwater quality service levels reflect best practice for water quality improvement, exceed legislative requirements and are incorporated in strategic infrastructure planning Council stormwater quality service levels agreed to meet or exceed legislative requirements and are incorporated in strategic infrastructure planning Council stormwater quality service levels agreed to meet legislative requirements Council stormwater quality service levels not defined Local planning instruments and guidance Comprehensive water quality improvement measures are effectively integrated in local government s planning scheme exceeding Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (and successive Class A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

83 Queensland planning legislation) expectations and requirements, including: WSUD principles, objectives and measures beyond State Planning Policy (SPP) water quality requirements; Water quality objectives to protect and enhance environmental values (EPP Water); Direction to incorporate appropriate measures and actions from local catchment plans, USQMPs, TWCMP, WQIPs, HWMPs or similar, in development design; Mandatory development approval requirements to utilise best practice to prepare and submit for approval prior to any site works commencing; o An erosion prevention and sediment movement control (ESC) plan; o A site-based stormwater management plan (SBSMP). Water quality improvement measures effectively integrated in local government s planning scheme, as per the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (and successive Queensland planning legislation), including: WSUD principles and measures including for State interest water quality as per the SPP; Water quality objectives to protect environmental values (EPP Water); Acknowledgement of the need to consider and incorporate appropriate measures and actions from local catchment plans, USQMPs, TWCMP, WQIPs, HWMPs or similar, in the development design; As a mandatory development approval condition, requirements to utilise best practice to prepare and submit for approval prior to any site works commencing; o An erosion prevention and sediment movement control (ESC) plan; o A site-based stormwater management plan (SBSMP). State interests - water quality incorporated in local government s planning scheme, as per the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (and successive Queensland planning legislation), including: Stormwater quality treatment measures, as required by the SPP, to protect the water quality State interest; Acknowledgement of the desirability to consider appropriate measures and actions from local catchment plans, USQMPs, TWCMP, WQIPs, HWMPs or similar, in the development design; Requirement to prepare a site stormwater quality management plan (SQMP) as per SPP acceptable outcomes; An erosion and sediment control (ESC) plan is prepared as per SPP acceptable outcomes. Local government s planning scheme defers to the SPP with regard to State interest water quality, as per the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (and successive Queensland planning legislation) Planning Scheme Policies (PSP) e.g. Waterways and Wetlands, and associated guidance encourages development to exceed State Planning Policy (SPP) and other legislative requirements through the use of innovative design that integrates stormwater quality management and WSUD measures in multi-function open space areas to achieve net water quality improvement and enhance local amenity PSPs e.g. Waterways and Wetlands, and associated guidance encourages development to exceed SPP and other legislative requirements to achieve water quality improvement PSPs e.g. Waterways and Wetlands, and associated guidance enables development to meet SPP and other legislative requirements for water quality No PSP or specific guidance associated with water quality improvement Stormwater management and erosion and sediment control (ESC) policy and/or planning scheme policy (PSP) supports the exceedance of State Planning Policy (SPP) requirements and promotes best practice including through IECA and locally specific guidance Stormwater management and/or ESC PSP meets State Planning Policy (SPP) requirements and reflects or references best practice such as IECA guidelines to improve performance outcomes Stormwater management and/or ESC PSP reflects State Planning Policy (SPP) requirements No Stormwater management and/or ESC PSP Council has erosion risk maps for the whole of its local government area (LGA) at a 1:10,000 scale or better and Council requires submitted ESC plans to assess erosion risk as per IECA Council has erosion risk maps for most of its local government area (LGA) at a 1:100,000 scale or better and Council requires submitted ESC plans to assess erosion risk as per IECA Council has erosion soil and geological maps for the whole of its local government area (LGA) to assist with assessment of erosion risk. Council requires submitted ESC plans to assess erosion risk Assessment of erosion risk is not a requirement of development applications B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D

84 Stormwater management and ESC guidelines associated with planning scheme policy (PSP), development manuals or other Council prepared water quality improvement guidance associated with development suits local climatic conditions and goes beyond best practice to exceed development approval water quality targets and outcomes Stormwater management and ESC guidelines suit local climatic conditions and go beyond best practice to meet or exceed water quality objectives Stormwater management and ESC guidelines suit regional climatic conditions to meet or exceed water quality objectives There are no Local government stormwater management and/or ESC guidelines Partnerships and planning Functional and effective partnerships established across the Great Barrier Reef catchment, NRM region, LGA and with neighbouring Councils to promote and achieve urban water quality improvement outcomes at local and regional levels Functional partnerships established across the LGA and with neighbouring Councils to promote and achieve urban water quality improvement outcomes Partnerships established across the LGA to promote urban water quality improvement Urban water quality improvement is randomly promoted Cultural values of waters and waterways are identified in partnership with Indigenous Traditional Owners and incorporated in planning and development assessment processes to complement and reinforce water quality improvement activities and measures Cultural values of waters and waterways are identified in partnership with Indigenous Traditional Owners and incorporated in planning processes to complement and reinforce water quality improvement activities Cultural values of waters and waterways are identified and incorporated in planning processes to complement and reinforce water quality improvements activities Cultural values of waters and waterways are not included in planning processes Implementation (includes communications, community involvement, education, training) Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and measures are incorporated in all new development to: Exceed locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness as defined in the single SPP Reduce the water pollutant loads reaching receiving waters from development sites and mature urban areas to normal background levels from undisturbed areas Mimic natural flows through detention and release of water over time to reflect the hydrograph of undisturbed areas i.e. effectively achieves 0% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater systems Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and measures are incorporated in all new development to: Reduce the water pollutant loads reaching receiving waters from development sites and mature urban areas to exceed regulatory requirements (SPP); Approach natural flows through detention and release of water over time to resemble the hydrograph of undisturbed areas i.e. effectively achieves <10% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater systems Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and measures are incorporated in the majority of new development to: Reduce the water pollutant loads reaching receiving waters from development sites and mature urban areas to meet regulatory requirements (SPP); Reduce peak discharge from directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater systems Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and measures are seldom incorporated in new development Water Sensitive Urban Design stormwater quality measures contribute to the exceedance of water quality objectives (WQOs) for local and catchment receiving waters, as per Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water) or other WQOs adopted in lieu of EPP Water gazettal WSUD stormwater quality measures contribute to achieving water quality objectives (WQOs) for local and catchment receiving waters, as per Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water) or other WQOs adopted in lieu of EPP Water gazettal WSUD stormwater quality measures achieve water quality objectives (WQOs) for local receiving waters A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C

85 There are insufficient WSUD stormwater quality measures to influence achievement of water quality objectives (WQOs) for local or catchment receiving waters All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained and enhanced All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained The majority of water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to maintain a reasonable level of treatment efficiency Some water quality improvement devices are maintained during the life cycle of the asset with variable levels of treatment efficiency Site Based Stormwater Management (SBSM) Site Based Stormwater Management Plans (SBSMP) prepared, approved (by Council or the administering authority as part of the development application and assessment process) and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development to surpass the single SPP construction stage stormwater management design objectives, and any additional locally specific stormwater quality and ecosystem health targets and outcomes Site Based Stormwater Management Plans (SBSMP) prepared, approved and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development to meet the single SPP construction stage stormwater management design objectives and any additional locally specific stormwater quality and ecosystem health targets Site Based Stormwater Management Plans (SBSMP) prepared to meet the development approval requirements defined by the single SPP for construction stage stormwater management Site Based Stormwater Management Plans (SBSMP) prepared to meet development approval requirements only after a Request for Further Information (RFI) is issued by Council Erosion and sediment control (ESC) Above best practice erosion prevention measures are incorporated in all new, infill and retrofit development with regulatory requirements exceeded making sediment movement control measures redundant Best practice erosion prevention and sediment control (ESC) measures are incorporated in all new, infill and retrofit development Convention erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures are incorporated in all new, infill and retrofit development as a response to development conditions Convention erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures are incorporated in all new, infill and retrofit development as a response to development conditions Council only accepts ESC plans from suitably qualified professionals with CPESC qualifications [Certified Practitioner ESC?] Council only accepts ESC plans from suitably qualified professionals as defined by Council Guidelines e.g. completed an accredited ESC course Council has no requirements for ESC plan writers to be qualified Council has no requirements for ESC plan writers to be qualified Council staff (or contractors) assessing, approving and conditioning ESC Plans are CPESC qualified Council staff (or contractors) assessing, approving and conditioning ESC Plans have a degree in Engineering, Environmental Science or other relevant discipline, and have completed specific ESC training Council staff (or contractors) assessing, approving and conditioning ESC Plans have a degree in Engineering, Environmental Science or other relevant discipline Council staff (or contractors) assessing, approving and conditioning ESC Plans are unqualified Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) are prepared by development applicants and approved by Council (or the administering authority as part of the development application and assessment process) for all new, infill and retrofit development incorporating innovative solutions and/or best practice to exceed regulatory requirements and water quality improvement outcomes ESCPs are prepared by development applicants and approved by Council for all new, infill and retrofit development to meet and/or exceed regulatory requirements ESCPs are prepared by development applicants and approved by Council for all new, infill and retrofit development to meet regulatory requirements ESCPs are prepared for new development only in response to a Request for Further Information (RFI) Development approval (DA) erosion and sediment control (ESC) conditions are appropriate for each site and supported by best practice guidelines (e.g. IECA, 2008) to address water quality D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

86 issues while being practicable, measurable and consistent for all developments. Conditions go above best practice guidelines on high risk sites to achieve stormwater management objectives e.g. stop works during wet season and/or regulate area exposed at one time [International Erosion Control Association?] DA ESC conditions are consistent with, and supported by best practice guidelines (IECA, 2008). Conditions are practicable, measurable, and consistent for all developments. DA ESC conditions are consistent with SPP but do not go beyond this nor do they incorporate IECA recommendations DA ESC conditions are not consistent with SPP, are not consistently applied for all developments, are rarely applied to ESC plan approvals and are not easily measurable Council routinely and frequently inspects construction / development sites to assess legislative compliance, and follows-up on complaints. Council strategically use enforcement tools such as on-the-spot fines, stop work notices and prosecutions for clear breaches of ESC development conditions or regulations. Council has a track record of successfully enforcing ESC conditions and regulations, as well as procedures, systems and cultures that support successful enforcement action Council routinely and frequently inspects construction / development sites to assess legislative compliance, and follows-up on complaints. Council strategically use enforcement tools such as on-the-spot fines, stop work notices and prosecutions for clear breaches of ESC development conditions or regulations Council undertakes basic inspections of development sites, however rarely uses enforcement tools to address clear breaches of ESC development conditions or regulations Council does not undertake investigations to monitor development compliance and does not utilise enforcement tools ESC measures are voluntarily monitored/assessed/audited by developers at the appropriate stages of the development cycle using accredited third party assessors and/or in collaboration with Council with comprehensive reports provided to Council soon after each assessment ESC measures are regularly monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or third party audited by developers with reports provided to Council in a reasonable timeframe ESC measures are monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or developers on a needs basis to meet regulatory requirements. Reports are provided to Council on request ESC measures are only monitored, assessed and reported on by developers following a formal request by Council All developments comply with approved ESC plans, use best practice standards and voluntarily install additional erosion prevention and sediment movement control measures where needed The majority of developments (>80%) voluntarily comply with approved ESC plans Some developments (<50%) voluntarily comply with approved ESC plans Few developments (<25%) voluntarily comply with approved ESC plans Communications, community involvement, education and training Urban stormwater management knowledge and information requirements of major sector groups are identified, prioritised and guidance material prepared and available for all needs. Material is continually updated to reflect advances in science and industry knowledge, management practices and principles Urban stormwater management knowledge and information requirements of major sector groups are identified, prioritised and guidance material prepared and available for the high and medium priority needs Urban stormwater management knowledge and information requirements are identified and prioritised for major sector groups Urban stormwater management knowledge and information requirements for major sector groups are unknown A comprehensive set of WSUD guidance tools have been developed, tested and proven to suit local conditions and assist Council and the development and construction industry to exceed regulatory requirements and WSUD performance targets and outcomes for water quality and flow WSUD guidance tools have been developed to suit local conditions and assist Council and the development and construction industry to achieve and/or exceed WSUD performance outcomes and regulatory requirements for water quality and flow WSUD guidance tools have been adapted/adopted to assist Council and the development and construction industry to achieve regulatory water quality requirements WSUD guidance tools have been adopted in an attempt to meet regulatory water quality B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D

87 requirements Best practice approaches identified and comprehensive guidelines prepared and available to Council staff, the development industry and community for all aspects of stormwater quality management (e.g. preparing ESC plans, assessing ESC plans and implementing ESC for development sites) Best practice approaches identified and guidelines prepared and available to Council staff, the development industry and community for most aspects of stormwater quality management Best practice approaches identified and guidelines prepared and available to Council staff, the development industry and community for priority topics associated with stormwater quality management Inadequate guidance material about stormwater quality management available Council staff are comprehensively trained in ESC and stormwater management and are capable of conducting training and mentoring public and private sector stormwater management practitioners Council staff are comprehensively trained in ESC and stormwater management Council staff are adequately trained in ESC and stormwater management Council staff are not trained in ESC and stormwater management Community and industry involvement in water quality improvement is supported through innovative and relevant community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs resulting in behaviour change and increased capacity to implement water quality improvement actions and measures Note: Examples may include: Demonstration sites; Locally relevant training and guidance material; Behaviour change strategies for uptake of best practice e.g. thematic interpretation. Community and industry involvement in water quality improvement is supported through innovative and relevant community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs resulting in increased capacity to implement water quality improvement actions and measures Community and industry involvement in water quality improvement is supported through community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs with some increase in capacity to implement water quality improvement actions and measures Community and industry involvement in water quality improvement is limited due to lack of support Monitoring and Evaluation A world class integrated monitoring, modelling and evaluation program designed, collaboratively resourced and implemented in an adaptive planning and management framework is effectively supporting water quality improvement A comprehensive monitoring, modelling and evaluation program designed and implemented in an adaptive planning and management framework to support water quality improvement A monitoring and evaluation program designed and implemented to meet regulatory requirements No monitoring program in place to support water quality improvement Water quality improvement actions are regularly monitored and assessed as part of an adaptive planning and management approach that supports active management practice improvement in real time Water quality improvement actions are monitored and assessed as part of an adaptive planning and management approach that supports management practice improvement over time Water quality improvement actions are monitored and assessed irregularly or infrequently Water quality improvement action performance is not monitored and/or assessed Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of stormwater management assets/treatment measures is undertaken as part of a comprehensive water quality improvement monitoring, modelling and evaluation program to ensure treatment effectiveness is maintained and enhanced over the lifecycle of the asset Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of stormwater management assets/treatment measures is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness is maintained over the lifecycle of the asset Monitoring of stormwater management treatment measures is undertaken occasionally to determine the level of treatment effectiveness Stormwater management assets/treatment measures are not monitored Comprehensive stormwater management records are kept including for; water quality A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

88 monitoring, stormwater management asset/measure effectiveness, stormwater management asset maintenance regimes and costs, stormwater management asset establishment and construction costs and non-compliance issues and remedies. Records are made readily available for inclusion in local and regional performance reporting Stormwater management records are kept including for; water quality monitoring, and stormwater management asset maintenance regimes and costs. Records are made available for inclusion in local and regional reporting Stormwater management records are kept including for; water quality monitoring, and stormwater management asset maintenance regimes. Records are made available if specifically requested No stormwater management records are kept Industry voluntarily provides data to allow reporting to community on stormwater management performance achievements as part of a world class monitoring, modelling and evaluation program that is effectively promoting and achieving water quality improvement Industry voluntarily provides data to allow reporting to community on performance achievements and any non-compliances Industry provides stormwater management data at the request of Council to allow anonymous reporting to community on industry performance achievements and non-compliances Industry does not provide stormwater management data for performance reporting An integrated report card developed to effectively communicate environmental, social and economic outcomes and delivered as part of a world class monitoring, modelling and evaluation program promoting and achieving water quality improvement An integrated report card developed and delivered to communicate environmental, social and economic outcomes of water quality improvement efforts A report card developed to communicate environmental outcomes of water quality improvement efforts No effective water quality improvement outcome reporting Erosion and sediment control (ESC) Council undertakes water quality monitoring during/after rainfall events downstream of large developments and high erosion risk sites with financial contribution from the developer and/or development industry through a regional water quality monitoring program. Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council requires the developer undertake water quality monitoring during/after rainfall events downstream of their development if it is large scale and/or a high erosion risk site. Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council does not undertake any water quality monitoring and there are no requirements for developers to undertake monitoring Site Based Stormwater Management (SBSM) Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) implementation is voluntarily monitored/assessed/audited by developers at the appropriate stages of the development cycle using accredited third party assessors and/or in collaboration with Council with comprehensive reports provided to Council soon after each assessment SBSMP implementation is regularly monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or third party audited by developers with reports provided to Council in a reasonable timeframe SBSMP implementation is monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or developers on a needs basis to meet regulatory requirements. Reports are provided to Council on request SBSMP implementation is only monitored, assessed and reported on by developers following a formal request by Council Note: NWQMS is the National Water Quality Management Strategy. EPP Water is. CPESC is. IECA 2008 is. B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D

89 Table 4-5 Draft Private Sector Development ABCD Classification Water Quality Improvement Activity Policy, Planning and Partnerships * Stormwater infrastructure is designed using best practice integrated stormwater management principles and measures i.e. addresses quality, quantity and hydrology, to mimic conditions associated with stormwater run-off from natural areas Stormwater infrastructure is designed to reflect best practice stormwater management i.e. integrated quantity (flood mitigation) and quality, using a catchment based total water cycle management approach Stormwater infrastructure is designed to meet regulatory requirements including use of best practice stormwater management including encouraging use of rain water tanks as part of the urban water quality treatment train Stormwater infrastructure is designed to meet regulatory requirements Industry voluntarily engages Council in discussions about asset handover and ongoing maintenance requirements early in the development cycle enabling functional and effective planning for rectification works, if required, and transition to Council maintenance of stormwater management assets Industry engages in discussions with Council about maintenance and asset handover during the development cycle enabling functional transition planning for ongoing Council maintenance of stormwater management assets Industry engages in Council instigated discussions over maintenance and asset handover during the development cycle to meet regulatory requirements for handover of stormwater management assets to Council Industry engages in discussions with Council over maintenance and handover of stormwater management assets asset handover during the development cycle to meet regulatory requirements for An adaptive planning and management approach is utilised in all master-planned and/or staged developments to ensure continuous improvement in integrated stormwater quality planning, design and management practices An adaptive planning and management approach is utilised in all master-planned and/or staged developments to enable continuous improvement in stormwater management practices over time Master-planned and staged developments use traditional stormwater management practices with minor incremental improvement over time Master-planned and staged developments use outdated stormwater management practices for flood mitigation only Implementation (includes communications, community involvement, education, training) Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) * Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and measures are incorporated in all new development to: Exceed locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness as defined in the single SPP Reduce the water pollutant loads reaching receiving waters from development sites and mature urban areas to normal background levels from undisturbed areas Mimic natural flows through detention and release of water over time to reflect the hydrograph of undisturbed areas i.e. effectively achieves 0% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater systems WSUD principles and measures are incorporated in all new development to: Reduce the water pollutant loads reaching receiving waters from development sites and mature urban areas to exceed regulatory requirements (SPP); Approach natural flows through detention and release of water over time to resemble the hydrograph of undisturbed areas i.e. effectively achieves <10% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater systems WSUD principles and measures are incorporated in the majority of new development to: Reduce the water pollutant loads reaching receiving waters from development sites and mature urban areas to meet regulatory requirements (SPP); Reduce peak discharge from directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater systems WSUD principles and measures are seldom incorporated in new development Class A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D

90 * All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained and enhanced All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained The majority of water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to maintain a reasonable level of treatment efficiency Some water quality improvement devices are maintained during the life cycle of the asset with variable levels of treatment efficiency Site Based Stormwater Management (SBSM) * Site Based Stormwater Management Plans (SBSMP) prepared, approved (by Council or the administering authority as part of the development application and assessment process) and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development to surpass the single SPP construction stage stormwater management design objectives, and any additional locally specific stormwater quality and ecosystem health targets and outcomes SBSMP prepared, approved and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development to meet the single SPP construction stage stormwater management design objectives and any additional locally specific stormwater quality and ecosystem health targets SBSMP prepared to meet the development approval requirements defined by the single SPP for construction stage stormwater management SBSMP prepared to meet development approval requirements only after a Request for Further Information (RFI) is issued by Council *Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) implementation is voluntarily monitored/assessed/audited by developers at the appropriate stages of the development cycle using accredited third party assessors and/or in collaboration with Council with comprehensive reports provided to Council soon after each assessment SBSMP implementation is regularly monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or third party audited by developers with reports provided to Council in a reasonable timeframe SBSMP implementation is monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or developers on a needs basis to meet regulatory requirements. Reports are provided to Council on request SBSMP implementation is only monitored, assessed and reported on by developers following a formal request by Council Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions does not occur Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions is infrequent and then only minor i.e. contained on site Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions occurs but is able to be remediated without significant off-site environmental harm being caused Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions occurs but is able to be remediated without significant environmental harm being caused Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) operational components including maintenance schedules are adjusted as necessary to exceed regulatory requirements and water quality improvement objectives SBSMP maintenance schedules are adjusted as necessary to ensure all regulatory requirements are achieved SBSMP maintenance schedules are adhered to SBSMP maintenance schedules are seldom adhered to Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) incorporates an adaptive management strategy and is amended responsively to exceed expectations and management objectives SBSMP incorporates an adaptive management strategy and is amended as required to meet and/or exceed regulatory requirements SBSMP is amended reactively to meet regulatory requirements SBSMP is only amended in response to a show cause notice, reprimand or official request Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) includes a comprehensive water quality monitoring program i.e. stormwater flow and base flow sampled prior to, during and after construction activities, designed to measure the efficacy of the plan and identify improvement options An approved water quality monitoring program (stormwater flow and base flow) is undertaken prior to, during and after construction activities to measure plan performance A basic water quality monitoring program is undertaken to measure baseline and post construction water quality A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C

91 Water quality monitoring is undertaken if requested or in response to a breach of conditions D Erosion and sediment control (ESC) Installation of erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures precedes land development and A construction works and exceeds approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) measures Installation of approved ESCP measures precedes land development and construction works B Installation of approved ESCP measures occurs during land development and construction C works or following condition breaches ESCP measures are installed only as result of compliance assessment D Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) incorporates an adaptive management strategy and A is amended responsively to exceed expectations and management objectives ESCP incorporates an adaptive management strategy and is amended as required to meet B and/or exceed regulatory requirements ESCP is amended reactively to meet regulatory requirements C ESCP is only amended in response to a show cause notice, reprimand or official request D Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development or construction does not occur A during the wet season (November to May) Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development does not occur during the wet B season (November to May). Clearing/disturbance for construction (December to March) is limited to the area required for construction purposes Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development and/or construction is limited C during the wet season (December to March) Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development and/or construction is undertaken D at any time of the year and often across the entire site at the start of the development * Erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures are voluntarily monitored/assessed/audited by A developers at the appropriate stages of the development cycle using accredited third party assessors and/or in collaboration with Council with comprehensive reports provided to Council soon after each assessment ESC measures are regularly monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or third party audited B by developers with reports provided to Council in a reasonable timeframe ESC measures are monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or developers on a needs basis C to meet regulatory requirements. Reports are provided to Council on request ESC measures are only monitored, assessed and reported on by developers following a formal D request by Council Communications, community involvement, education and training Industry leads in the development of comprehensive training programs and provides support to A ensure its practitioners are fully trained in current best practice for all aspects of site stormwater quality management and improvement to enable exceedance of water quality regulatory requirements. May include provision and maintenance of best practice demonstration sites Industry ensures its practitioners are trained in current best practice for all aspects of site B stormwater quality management and especially erosion prevention measures and site rehabilitation/revegetation activities Industry encourage its practitioners to undertake self-development in site stormwater quality C management best practice Industry is indifferent with regard to stormwater management practitioners capacity D Monitoring and Evaluation Erosion and sediment control (ESC) * Council undertakes water quality monitoring during/after rainfall events downstream of large A developments and high erosion risk sites with financial contribution from the developer and/or development industry through a regional water quality monitoring program. Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council requires the developer undertake water quality monitoring during/after rainfall events B downstream of their development if it is large scale and/or a high erosion risk site. Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and C report results to Council Council does not undertake any water quality monitoring and there are no requirements for D developers to undertake monitoring * Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of stormwater management assets/treatment measures A

92 is undertaken as part of a comprehensive water quality improvement monitoring, modelling and evaluation program to ensure treatment effectiveness is maintained and enhanced over the lifecycle of the asset Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of stormwater management assets/treatment measures is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness is maintained over the lifecycle of the asset Monitoring of stormwater management treatment measures is undertaken occasionally to determine the level of treatment effectiveness Stormwater management assets/treatment measures are not monitored * Comprehensive stormwater management records are kept including for; water quality monitoring, stormwater management asset/measure effectiveness, stormwater management asset maintenance regimes and costs, stormwater management asset establishment and construction costs and non-compliance issues and remedies. Records are made readily available for inclusion in local and regional performance reporting Stormwater management records are kept including for; water quality monitoring, and stormwater management asset maintenance regimes and costs. Records are made available for inclusion in local and regional reporting Stormwater management records are kept including for; water quality monitoring, and stormwater management asset maintenance regimes. Records are made available if specifically requested No stormwater management records are kept * Industry voluntarily provides data to allow reporting to community on stormwater management performance achievements as part of a world class monitoring, modelling and evaluation program that is effectively promoting and achieving water quality improvement Industry voluntarily provides data to allow reporting to community on performance achievements and any non-compliances Industry provides stormwater management data at the request of Council to allow anonymous reporting to community on industry performance achievements and non-compliances Industry does not provide stormwater management data for performance reporting Note: * Included in local government area regulator/manager ABCD and/or public sector development ABCD. B C D A B C D A B C D Table 4-6 Draft Public Sector Development/Construction ABCD Classification Water Quality Improvement Activity Policy, Planning and Partnerships Stormwater infrastructure is designed using best practice integrated stormwater management principles and measures i.e. addresses quality, quantity and hydrology, to mimic conditions associated with stormwater run-off from natural areas Stormwater infrastructure is designed to reflect best practice stormwater management i.e. integrated quantity (flood mitigation) and quality, using a catchment based total water cycle management approach Stormwater infrastructure is designed to meet regulatory requirements including use of best practice stormwater management including encouraging use of rain water tanks as part of the urban water quality treatment train Stormwater infrastructure is designed to meet regulatory requirements WSUD principles and best practice stormwater management measures are included in the design of all Council managed and implemented community infrastructure projects and all Council construction/development activities exceed regulatory requirements WSUD principles and best practice stormwater management measures are included in the design of all Council managed and implemented community infrastructure projects and all Council construction/development activities meet regulatory requirements Best practice stormwater management measures are included in the design of all Council managed and implemented construction/development activities Stormwater management measures are necessarily included in the design of Council managed and implemented construction/development activities Implementation (includes communications, community involvement, education, training) Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) stormwater quality measures contribute to the exceedance of water quality objectives (WQOs) for local and catchment receiving waters, as per Class A B C D A B C D A

93 Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water) or other WQOs adopted in lieu of EPP Water gazettal WSUD stormwater quality measures contribute to achieving water quality objectives (WQOs) for local and catchment receiving waters, as per Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water) or other WQOs adopted in lieu of EPP Water gazettal WSUD stormwater quality measures achieve water quality objectives (WQOs) for local receiving waters There are insufficient WSUD stormwater quality measures to influence achievement of water quality objectives (WQOs) for local or catchment receiving waters All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained and enhanced All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained The majority of water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to maintain a reasonable level of treatment efficiency Some water quality improvement devices are maintained during the life cycle of the asset with variable levels of treatment efficiency Site Based Stormwater Management (SBSM) Site Based Stormwater Management Plans (SBSMP) prepared by Council and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development to surpass the single SPP construction stage stormwater management design objectives, and any additional locally specific stormwater quality and ecosystem health targets and outcomes SBSMP prepared and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development to meet the single SPP construction stage stormwater management design objectives and any additional locally specific stormwater quality and ecosystem health targets SBSMP prepared to meet the development approval requirements defined by the single SPP for construction stage stormwater management SBSMP not prepared *Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) implementation is comprehensively monitored/assessed/audited at the appropriate stages of the development cycle using accredited third party assessors SBSMP implementation is regularly monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or third party audited SBSMP implementation is monitored/assessed/audited by Council on a needs basis to meet regulatory requirements SBSMP implementation is not monitored or assessed Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions does not occur Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions is infrequent and then only minor i.e. contained on site Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions occurs but is able to be remediated without significant off-site environmental harm being caused Non-compliance with legislative requirements and development approval conditions occurs but is able to be remediated without significant environmental harm being caused Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) operational components including maintenance schedules are adjusted as necessary to exceed regulatory requirements and water quality improvement objectives SBSMP maintenance schedules are adjusted as necessary to ensure all regulatory requirements are achieved SBSMP maintenance schedules are adhered to SBSMP maintenance schedules are seldom adhered to Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) incorporates an adaptive management strategy and is amended responsively to exceed expectations and management objectives SBSMP incorporates an adaptive management strategy and is amended as required to meet and/or exceed regulatory requirements SBSMP is amended reactively to meet regulatory requirements SBSMP is only amended in response to a show cause notice, reprimand or official request Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) includes a comprehensive water quality monitoring program i.e. stormwater flow and base flow sampled prior to, during and after construction activities, designed to measure the efficacy of the plan and identify improvement B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

94 options An approved water quality monitoring program (stormwater flow and base flow) is undertaken prior to, during and after construction activities to measure plan performance A basic water quality monitoring program is undertaken to measure baseline and post construction water quality Water quality monitoring is undertaken if requested or in response to a breach of conditions Erosion and sediment control (ESC) Installation of erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures precedes land development and construction works and exceeds approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) measures Installation of approved ESCP measures precedes land development and construction works Installation of approved ESCP measures occurs during land development and construction works or following condition breaches ESCP measures are installed only as result of compliance assessment Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) incorporates an adaptive management strategy and is amended responsively to exceed expectations and management objectives ESCP incorporates an adaptive management strategy and is amended as required to meet and/or exceed regulatory requirements ESCP is amended reactively to meet regulatory requirements ESCP is only amended in response to a show cause notice, reprimand or official request Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development or construction does not occur during the wet season (November to May) Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development does not occur during the wet season (November to May). Clearing/disturbance for construction (December to March) is limited to the area required for construction purposes Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development and/or construction is limited during the wet season (December to March) Vegetation clearing and/or soil exposure for land development and/or construction is undertaken at any time of the year and often across the entire site at the start of the development * ESC measures are voluntarily monitored/assessed/audited by developers at the appropriate stages of the development cycle using accredited third party assessors and/or in collaboration with Council with comprehensive reports provided to Council soon after each assessment ESC measures are regularly monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or third party audited by developers with reports provided to Council in a reasonable timeframe ESC measures are monitored/assessed/audited by Council and/or developers on a needs basis to meet regulatory requirements. Reports are provided to Council on request ESC measures are only monitored, assessed and reported on by developers following a formal request by Council Council policies, strategies and procedures are in place to ensure that ESC standards on building, construction and maintenance works conducted by local government (or state government) are at least best practice. Public sector works set a positive example for the private development and construction industry Council policy and procedures are in place to ensure that ESC standards on building, construction and maintenance works conducted by local government (or state government) are best practice and provide an example of the standards required to meet and/or exceed regulatory requirements under the SPP Council procedures are in place to ensure that ESC standards on building, construction and maintenance works conducted by local government (or state government) are best practice and provide an example of the minimum standard required to meet regulatory requirements under the SPP Council procedures are inadequate to ensure that ESC measures on building, construction and maintenance works conducted by local government meet regulatory Council prepares appropriately comprehensive site rehabilitation plans for all sites and ensures all works undertaken by or on behalf of Council are adequately revegetated/stabilised as soon as practicable after works are completed and integrated with any adjacent open space and/or rehabilitation/revegetation projects/works Council prepares site rehabilitation plans for high risk sites and ensures all works undertaken by or on behalf of Council are adequately revegetated/stabilised as soon as practicable after works are completed No site rehabilitation plans prepared and only high risk sites are adequately revegetated/ B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C

95 stabilised after works are completed No site rehabilitation plans prepared and inadequate rehabilitation works if any Communications, community involvement, education and training * Best practice approaches identified and comprehensive guidelines prepared and available to Council staff for all aspects of stormwater quality management (e.g. preparing ESC plans, assessing ESC plans and implementing ESC for development sites) Best practice approaches identified and guidelines prepared and available to Council staff for most aspects of stormwater quality management Best practice approaches identified and guidelines prepared and available to Council staff for priority topics associated with stormwater quality management Inadequate guidance material about stormwater quality management available to Council staff Monitoring and Evaluation Council undertakes water quality monitoring during/after rainfall events downstream of large developments and high erosion risk sites with financial contribution from the developer and/or development industry through a regional water quality monitoring program. Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council requires the developer undertake water quality monitoring during/after rainfall events downstream of their development if it is large scale and/or a high erosion risk site. Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council requires all development sites with sediment basins to monitor discharge water and report results to Council Council does not undertake any water quality monitoring and there are no requirements for developers to undertake monitoring Note: * Included in regulator/manager ABCD and/or private sector development ABCD. D A B C D A B C D Mature urban Draft water quality improvement actions for mature urban areas are included in Appendix C. The actions have been translated into draft A, B, C and D classifications as shown in Table 4-7, based on the characteristics in Table 4-3. Table 4-7 Draft Mature Urban ABCD Management Practice Classification Water Quality Improvement Activity Policy, Planning and Partnerships Policy and strategic planning * Council actively supports catchment-based total water cycle management as a pathway for water quality and ecosystem health protection and improvement and this is reflected in its policies, strategies and initiatives which are resourced and implemented in partnership with all relevant stakeholders to accelerate water quality improvement outcomes Council acknowledges the need for a catchment-based total water cycle management approach to water quality and ecosystem health improvement and its policy supports the achievement of water quality improvement over time with available resources Council policy acknowledges the need for total water cycle management and ecosystem health protection in partnership with other stakeholders Council acknowledges the need for other stakeholders to improve water quality and ecosystem health * A strategic catchment management plan (as per the NWQMS), water quality improvement plan (WQIP) (as per Reef Plan 2003), total water cycle management plan (TWCMP) (as per the previous EPP Water including USQMP), healthy waters management plan (HWMP) (as per current EPP Water) or similar strategy plan prepared in conjunction with relevant stakeholders linking; flood mitigation, water sensitive urban design (WSUD), stormwater management (including erosion prevention), waterway management, potable water supply, wastewater treatment and water conservation with the protection of natural assets, environmental infrastructure, hydrological and ecological functions and ecosystem services. Plans incorporate an adaptive planning and management approach ensuring they are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect emerging best practice and locally relevant data, information and learnings Class A B C D A

96 A catchment management strategy, WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar strategy plan prepared in conjunction with relevant stakeholders incorporating; flood mitigation, water sensitive urban design (WSUD), stormwater management (including erosion prevention), waterway management, wastewater treatment and water conservation A catchment management strategy, WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar strategy plan prepared incorporating; flood mitigation, stormwater system management and water conservation No catchment-based strategic water quality improvement plans prepared * 1 An Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) prepared by Council for mature urban areas, as a component of a WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar, that links with and comprehensively integrates succession planning for environmental infrastructure from developing areas. Developing areas are regularly integrated with the USQMP as part of the USQMP adaptive management framework USQMP prepared by Council for mature urban areas, as a component of a WQIP, TWCMP, HWMP or similar, and links with and/or integrates succession planning for developing areas USQMP prepared by Council as per the EPP Water (now superseded) No USQMP, or similar, prepared by Council * Strategic landscape and comprehensive local scale mapping prepared for planning and decision making including for identification and prioritisation of areas for location of protection mechanisms and treatment measures for maximum water quality improvement benefits and outcomes Strategic landscape and local scale mapping prepared for planning and decision making including for identification and prioritisation of areas for location of protection mechanisms and treatment measures for water quality improvement Strategic landscape scale mapping prepared for planning and decision making for initial identification of areas for location of protection mechanisms and treatment measures for water quality improvement Acknowledged need for mapping to inform planning and decision making for water quality improvement Detailed catchment and/or sub catchment management plans are progressively prepared for all urban and peri-urban areas as the operational and on-ground component of WQIPs, TWCMPs, HWMPs, USQMPs or other strategy to support waterway management and rehabilitation efforts. Responsible bodies regularly review and update strategic plans and operational catchment and sub catchment management plans, using an adaptive planning and management approach, to ensure they reflect emerging best practice and incorporate locally relevant data, information and learnings Detailed catchment and/or sub catchment management plans are progressively prepared over time, starting with priority urban areas, as the operational and on-ground component of WQIPs, TWCMPs, HWMPs, USQMPs or other strategy to support waterway management and rehabilitation efforts Waterway management and rehabilitation plans are prepared over time for high priority urban areas as the operational and on-ground component of WQIPs, TWCMPs, HWMPs, USQMPs or other strategy Waterway management and rehabilitation is relatively uncoordinated Implementation (includes communications, community involvement, education, training) Urban stormwater quality management An innovative, integrated, practical and effective urban stormwater quality management program is being implemented in collaboration with industry and community and incorporates existing strategic plans, programs and projects including Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plans (USQMP), WQIPs, TWCMPs, HWMPs and their operational components An integrated and practical urban stormwater quality management program is being implemented in collaboration with industry and community and incorporates existing strategic plans, programs and projects including USQMPs, WQIPs, TWCMPs, HWMPs and their operational components Some operational components of existing strategic plans and the USQMP are being implemented by Council and/or in collaboration with industry and community No realistic urban stormwater quality management program exists Site based stormwater management plans (SBSMP), including erosion prevention and sediment movement control and WSUD principles and measures are prepared and implemented for infill development and redevelopment, regardless of development approval requirements i.e. SBSMP may not be required for blocks < 2,500m 2, exceeding the requirements of the construction phase B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

97 stormwater management design objectives under the single State Planning Policy (SPP) SBSMPs, including erosion prevention and sediment movement control and WSUD principles and measures are prepared and implemented for infill development and redevelopment, regardless of development approval requirements, achieving SPP construction phase stormwater management design objectives SBSMPs are prepared and implemented for infill development and redevelopment in compliance with any relevant development approval conditions Site based stormwater management plans are not required for infill development and redevelopment Retrofit and upgrade opportunities for stormwater management and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures are comprehensively investigated, mapped, modelled, assessed and prioritised for urban and peri-urban areas (public and private land). Retrofit and upgrade opportunities are systematically implemented across public open space and private redevelopment sites as part of a long term, integrated urban stormwater management improvement program utilising innovative and collaborative public/private sector a community partnerships Note: the road system is considered in retrofit investigations e.g. grassed swales and bioretention pods Retrofit and upgrade opportunities for stormwater management and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures are investigated, mapped, modelled and prioritised for urban areas (public and private land). Resources are actively sought and high and medium priority opportunities are implemented across public open space and private redevelopment sites over time Retrofit and upgrade opportunities for stormwater management and water sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures are identified and prioritised for public urban land. High priority opportunities are implemented as resources become available No structured stormwater management retrofit investigations or implementation Council managed maintenance works have exemplary erosion prevention and sediment movement control measures in place ensuring stormwater runoff does not transport sediment to receiving waters above background levels of natural areas Council managed maintenance works have more than adequate erosion prevention and sediment movement control measures in place to ensure sediment in stormwater runoff exceeds the requirements of the construction phase stormwater management design objectives and meets the intent of the post construction phase stormwater management design objectives under the single State Planning Policy (SPP) Council managed maintenance works have adequate erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures in place to ensure sediment in stormwater runoff does not exceed the levels of the SPP construction phase stormwater management design objectives Council managed maintenance works have inadequate ESC measures in place Open space is designed to be multi-functional incorporating water sensitive urban design (WSUD) principles and integrated stormwater management measures that detain and treat urban stormwater runoff resulting in hydrological conditions and water quality that is characteristic of natural areas Open space is multi-functional incorporating WSUD principles and stormwater management measures that aid in the detention and treatment of urban stormwater runoff resulting in water quality that exceeds the requirements of the post construction phase stormwater management design objectives under the single State Planning Policy (SPP) Open space sometimes includes stormwater management measures that aid in the treatment and/or detention of urban stormwater runoff to contribute to the achievement of the water quality objectives (WQOs) in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, and/or other local water quality targets Open space is not seen to be an appropriate to locate stormwater management measures Open space maintenance activities e.g. mowing, fertiliser and/or pesticide application and resurfacing, incorporate innovative practice resulting in sediment, nutrient, pesticide and gross pollutant concentrations in rainfall run-off normally associated with natural areas Open space maintenance activities incorporate best practice ensuring sediment, nutrient, and gross pollutant levels in rainfall run-off reaching receiving waters are below the concentrations defined in the single State Planning Policy (SPP) post construction phase stormwater management design objectives Open space maintenance activities may result in sediment, nutrient, pesticide and gross pollutants concentrations in rainfall run-off exceeding the water quality objectives (WQOs) in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, and/or other local water quality targets B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C

98 Open space maintenance activities increase sediment, nutrient, pesticide and/or gross pollutants levels in rainfall run-off Urban waterways and wetlands have high ecological value, intact riparian vegetation and habitat capable of filtering sediment and nutrients from stormwater runoff mimicking water quality from natural areas entering receiving waters Urban waterways and wetlands have intact riparian vegetation capable of filtering the majority of sediment and particulate nutrients and some soluble nitrogen from stormwater runoff before it reaches receiving waters Urban waterways and wetlands have relatively intact riparian vegetation capable of filtering some sediment and particulate nutrients from stormwater runoff before it reaches receiving waters Urban waterway and wetland riparian vegetation is in poor condition and incapable of filtering most sediment and nutrients from stormwater runoff before it reaches receiving waters * 1 Stormwater management systems and stormwater quality improvement measures and devices are managed and maintained over the life cycle of the assets to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained and enhanced to meet or exceed locally specific stormwater management design objectives i.e. in terms of load reductions, contributing to the achievement or improvement of adopted water quality objectives (WQO) for receiving waters Stormwater management systems and stormwater quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained The majority of stormwater quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to maintain a reasonable level of treatment efficiency Some water quality improvement devices are maintained during the life cycle of the asset with variable levels of treatment efficiency Communications, community involvement, education and training * 1 Community and industry involvement in total water cycle water management and water quality improvement is supported through innovative and relevant community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs resulting in behaviour change and a greatly increased capacity to implement water quality improvement actions and measures Note: Examples may include: Demonstration sites; Locally relevant training and guidance material; Best practice market based incentive options; Behaviour change strategies for uptake of best practice e.g. thematic interpretation. Community and industry involvement in water quality improvement is supported through innovative and relevant community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs resulting in increased capacity to implement water quality improvement actions and measures Community and industry involvement in water quality improvement is supported through community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs with some increase in capacity to implement water quality improvement actions and measures Community and industry involvement in water quality improvement is limited due to lack of support * 1 Following the identification and prioritisation of knowledge and information requirements of major sector groups a comprehensive set of WSUD guidance tools have been developed, tested and proven to suit local conditions and assist Council, the development and construction industry and other urban stormwater managers (includes community) to exceed regulatory requirements and WSUD performance targets and outcomes for water quality and flow. Material is continually updated to reflect advances in science and industry knowledge, management practices and principles Following the identification and prioritisation of knowledge and information requirements of major sector groups WSUD guidance tools have been developed to suit local conditions for the high and medium priority needs and assist Council, the development and construction industry and other urban stormwater managers to achieve and/or exceed WSUD performance outcomes and regulatory requirements for water quality and flow WSUD guidance tools have been adopted or adapted to assist Council, the development and construction industry and other urban stormwater managers to achieve regulatory water quality requirements WSUD guidance tools may have been adopted in an attempt to meet regulatory water quality requirements. Urban stormwater management knowledge and information requirements for D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D

99 major sector groups are unknown * 1 Best practice approaches identified and comprehensive guidelines prepared and available to Council staff, the development/construction industry and community for all aspects of stormwater quality management Best practice approaches identified and guidelines prepared and available to Council staff, the development industry and community for most aspects of urban stormwater quality management Best practice approaches identified and guidelines prepared and available to Council staff, the development/construction industry and community for priority topics associated with urban stormwater quality management Inadequate guidance material about urban stormwater quality management available * 1 Council staff are comprehensively trained in integrated stormwater management (quality and quantity) competencies, including erosion and sediment control (ESC), and are more than capable of conducting training and/or mentoring public and private sector stormwater management practitioners Council staff are comprehensively trained in stormwater management competencies Council staff are adequately trained in stormwater management competencies Council staff are not trained in stormwater management As a result of interaction with and active participation in CBEI and behaviour change programs there is an 80% increase in the number of residents, businesses and industries implementing best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplace As a result of interaction with CBEI and behaviour change programs there is a 50% increase in the number of residents, businesses and industries implement best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplace As a result of interaction with CBEI and behaviour change programs there is a 20% increase in the number of residents, businesses and industries implement best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplace Little or no improvement in uptake of best practices for water quality improvement due to absence of CBEI and behaviour change programs Monitoring and Evaluation * A world class integrated monitoring, modelling and evaluation program designed, collaboratively resourced and implemented in an adaptive planning and management framework is effectively supporting and advancing water quality improvement A comprehensive monitoring, modelling and evaluation program designed and implemented in an adaptive planning and management framework to support water quality improvement A monitoring and evaluation program designed and implemented to meet regulatory requirements No monitoring program in place to support water quality improvement * Water quality improvement actions are regularly monitored and assessed as part of an adaptive planning and management approach that supports active management practice improvement in real time Water quality improvement actions are monitored and assessed as part of an adaptive planning and management approach that supports management practice improvement over time Water quality improvement actions are monitored and assessed irregularly or infrequently Water quality improvement action performance is not monitored and/or assessed * Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of stormwater management assets/treatment measures is undertaken as part of a comprehensive water quality improvement monitoring, modelling and evaluation program to ensure treatment effectiveness is maintained and enhanced over the lifecycle of the asset Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of stormwater management assets/treatment measures is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness is maintained over the lifecycle of the asset Monitoring of stormwater management treatment measures is undertaken occasionally to determine the level of treatment effectiveness Stormwater management assets/treatment measures are not monitored * 1 Comprehensive stormwater management records are centrally collated, stored and analysed including for; water quality monitoring, stormwater management asset/measure effectiveness, data from working demonstration sites, stormwater management asset maintenance regimes and costs, stormwater management asset establishment and construction costs and noncompliance issues and remedies. Records are readily available and accessible for inclusion in local and regional performance reporting, to inform collaborative water quality improvement A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A B C D A

100 activities and enable continuous improvement and accelerated uptake of more effective management practices Stormwater management records are kept by individual organisations including for; water quality monitoring, data from working demonstration sites, stormwater management asset/measure effectiveness and stormwater management asset maintenance regimes and costs. Records are made available to Council or regional healthy waters programs for collation and analysis for inclusion in local and regional reporting and to inform collaborative water quality improvement activities Stormwater management records are kept by individual organisations including for; water quality monitoring, and stormwater management asset maintenance regimes. Records are made available to Council if requested No stormwater management records are kept * 1 An integrated reporting process developed to effectively communicate environmental, social and economic outcomes delivered through urban stormwater quality management programs, including urban stormwater quality management plan (USQMP) actions, as part of a world class monitoring, modelling and evaluation program promoting and achieving water quality improvement An integrated report card developed and delivered to communicate environmental, social and economic outcomes of stormwater quality improvement efforts A report card developed to communicate environmental outcomes of stormwater quality improvement efforts No effective water quality improvement outcome reporting Note: * indicates the actions are also included in Developing Urban classification. 1 indicates the actions have been modified from the Developing Urban classification. NWQMS is the National Water Quality Management Strategy. 4.6 Scoring and Weighting The draft urban diffuse ABCD management practices have not been weighted or a scoring system proposed at this stage. Further work is required to connect the management practices to implicit water quality outcomes and quantify the outcomes in relation to the management practices. This requires a review of the draft urban ABCD management practice classifications and an analysis of existing data to identify any obvious correlations between actions and measurable outcomes and to identify significant gaps in data i.e. cannot be reconciled using qualitative metrics. It is anticipated that there will be a need for supplementary water quality monitoring and modelling similar to the Paddock to Reef initiative for agriculture to quantify causal relationships. This may be easier for urban areas as water quality improvement measures and treatment trains are often linear requiring only input/output measurements to determine effectiveness. This will need to be accompanied by benefit and cost analysis to provide an indication of the best value best practice to achieve water quality improvement in urban areas. This is a relatively complex task as environmental and social stewardship economics need to be considered in weightings and final scoring. B C D A B C D

101 4.7 Point Source ABCD Point source activities are defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) as environmentally relevant activity (ERA) as they have the potential to cause environmental harm as a result of discharge of contaminants to the environment as a function of the activity. ERAs are defined in the EP Act as: (a) an agricultural ERA as defined under section 75; or (b) a resource activity as defined under section 107; or 107 What is a resource activity A resource activity is an activity that involves (a) a geothermal activity; or (b) a GHG storage activity; or (c) a mining activity; or (d) a petroleum activity. 108 What is a geothermal activity A geothermal activity is an activity that, under the Geothermal Act, is an authorised activity for a geothermal tenure. (p.99) (EP Act Chapter 5, Part 1, Division 1, p.99) (c) another activity prescribed under section 19 as an environmentally relevant activity. (EP Act Chapter 1, Part 3, Subdivision 4, section 18, p.49) Agricultural ERAs (a) and resource activities (b) are not point source ERAs and are not included in the point source ABCD classification. Point source ERAs are prescribed and further described in the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008 (EP Reg.) (Schedule 2 Prescribed ERAs and aggregate environmental scores). The main point source water quality pollutant generator associated with urban areas is sewage/wastewater treatment plants (STP). This is the only point source ERA addressed in the point source ABCD management practice classification system at present (see Table 4-8) Wastewater treatment ERA 63 This classification refers to a particular environmentally relevant activity (ERA) involving point source discharge to receiving waters. ERA 63 (Sewage treatment) is described in Part 13 (Water treatment services) of the EP Reg. and is most relevant to the local government. Commercial enterprises may also be responsible for wastewater treatment at specific industrial locations where water borne organic material is a by-product of processing activities e.g. meatworks. Key assumptions The principal point source activity is associated with wastewater treatment plants; This classification is most relevant to local government being responsible for wastewater treatment; Reporting and compliance is as required by ERA permit conditions as defined under the EP Act; Land based reuse of treated wastewater is the desired management practice to reduce discharge to receiving waters; Management practices focus principally on nutrient reduction strategies as biosolids are a by-product of the wastewater treatment process thereby reducing the level of sediment discharged in treated effluent to negligible levels. The draft A, B, C and D management practice classification for wastewater (sewage) treatment plants is provided in Table

102 Table 4-8 Draft ERA 63 Point Source ABCD Classifications Class A Management practices for water quality improvement 1. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are considered an integral component of total water cycle management planning and are included in water sensitive urban design (WSUD) considerations, policy and strategies 2. WWTPs and other ERA activities never exceed licence conditions as a result of a pro-active maintenance regime 3. Treated wastewater is reused and recycled with less than 10% of the volume of treated wastewater discharged to receiving waters 4. Upgrades to and replacement of WWTP facilities is planned for and implemented prior to the facility reaching 85% of capacity 5. A comprehensive environmental monitoring program for receiving waters and land based treated effluent disposal areas is undertaken as an integral component of the WWTP management process 6. All biosolids from WWTPs are added to other organic materials to produce high value compost / organic soils 7. Discharges from ERA activities, other than WWTPs, are connected to an approved reticulated wastewater treatment plant, or if wastewater is treated on site it is treated in accordance with best practice water quality improvement standards Class B Management practices for water quality improvement 1. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are considered an integral component of total water cycle management planning 2. WWTPs and other ERA activities rarely exceed licence conditions (1 in 10 years) and then exceedance is only minor or due to external factors e.g. severe flooding, and/or unanticipated equipment failure 3. Treated wastewater is reused and recycled with less than 50% of the volume of treated wastewater discharged to receiving waters i.e. at least 50% reuse 4. Upgrades to and replacement of WWTP facilities is planned for and implemented prior to the facility reaching 95% of capacity 5. A comprehensive environmental monitoring program for receiving waters and land based treated effluent disposal areas is undertaken as a component of the WWTP management process 6. Biosolids from WWTPs are recycled with other organic material to value add to compost production Class C Management practices for water quality improvement 1. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are considered to be an indirect component of total water cycle management planning 2. WWTPs and other ERA activities occasionally exceed licence conditions (1 in 3 years) 3. Less than 10% of treated wastewater is reused or recycled with the majority of treated wastewater discharged to receiving waters 4. Upgrades to and replacement of WWTP facilities is planned for and implemented prior to the facility reaching 100% of capacity 5. An environmental monitoring program for receiving waters is undertaken as a necessary requirement of the WWTP licencing conditions 6. Biosolids from WWTPs are recycled with other organic material to value add to compost production Class D Management practices for water quality improvement 1. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) are viewed as a separate component of the water cycle 2. WWTPs and other ERA activities regularly exceed licence conditions (annually) as a result of a reactive maintenance regime 3. All treated wastewater is discharged to receiving waters 4. Upgrades to and replacement of WWTP facilities occurs after the facility reaches 100% of capacity 5. Monitoring of discharges is undertaken to fulfil the minimum requirement of the WWTP licencing conditions 6. Biosolids from WWTPs are treated as waste and disposed of opportunistically

103 5. Urban WQIP Guidance Context 5.1 Guidance Parts This section provides the context for the urban WQIP guidance based on the generic water quality improvement plan structure (see section 3.1). The main urban specific topics include: Legislation and regulatory context; How local government (LG) works and LG consultation; Point source and diffuse source issues; Population growth and development; Water sensitive urban design (WSUD); Erosion and sediment control (ESC); MUSIC modelling and catchment modelling; Non-structural measures and behaviour change; Resources. Generic WQIP structure/contents Introduction what and why; Catchment characteristics; Issues, pressures and threats; Catchment condition; Environmental values, Water quality objectives. Water quality targets; Ecosystem health targets; Options, costs and benefits; Management actions; Implementation schedule; Monitoring, evaluation, reporting, improvement (MERI) adaptive planning and management; References and resources. 5.2 Putting Urban Land Use in Reef WQIPs The main location of background information in this document that is relevant to the guidance notes in section 6 is shown in Table 5-1. Table 5-1 Urban Guidance Components Location Subject Section/s Appendix Reef Rescue, Reef Plans, Reef 2050 Plan and Reef Trust 2.3, 2.4 Water Quality Improvement Plans 2.5, 2.6 Legislation, local government and the urban context 2.8 Queensland environmental legislation 2.9 Queensland planning legislation 2.10 Commonwealth legislation 2.11 Urban water quality issues 2.7, 2.12 Pollutant types and sources 2.13, 2.14, 2.15 Fundamentals and framework for urban land use inclusion in WQIPs 3 A Townsville learnings 3.1 B Generic urban water improvement framework 3.2 Adaptive management approach 3.3 Urban diffuse management action focus 3.4 Urban ABCD management practice framework 4 C ABCD management practice classification origins 4.1 C Urban ABCD management practice classification system (draft) 4.4 C Applying the A, B, C and D grades 4.5 Catchment characteristics 5.4 Environmental values 5.6.1, Water quality objectives 5.6.4, Targets 5.7 Water quality improvement management actions 5.10, 3.4, 4.4 B Social approaches to WQ improvement i.e. behaviour change D Monitoring, evaluation, replanning and adaptation and reporting 5.12 WQ Monitoring Modelling - catchment and specific urban modelling e.g. MUSIC E A discussion about the inclusion of urban land use in a WQIP relative to the generic WQIP structure (see section 3.1) is provided below by WQIP section

104 5.3 Introduction The introduction section provides the context for the WQIP in relation to the Great Barrier Reef as a water quality hotspot. This section provides an overview of the development of the WQIP and looks at the broad picture with background information and historic context about the need for a WQIP. As such there is no need for urban specific material to be included in the Background and context section. Subject matter may include: Background and context; o Why we need to improve water quality e.g. Great Barrier Reef (GBR) condition and scientific consensus, o GBR water quality protection initiatives e.g. Reef Plan 2013//Reef Trust/Reef 2050 Plan. WQIP preparation; o Water quality planning in the XXX catchment/region, o Scope and aims of the XXX WQIP, o Approach to developing the plan, Using existing knowledge and information, Building the evidence base, o Stakeholder engagement and governance, Key stakeholder/industry and sector consultation, Community consultation, Technical/science groups assistance. WQIP components WQIP preparation and urban land use The introduction section includes summary information about the preparation of the WQIP including the knowledge base and information sources relied on and stakeholder engagement and consultation. This is the first place in the WQIP that the urban context would be mentioned as urban stormwater managers, and particularly the main stakeholder i.e. local government, need to be effectively engaged and the legislation and knowledge sources for urban areas need to be identified. This is discussed further in section Catchment Characteristics This section provides an over view of the WQIP area and may include the physical, biological and socioeconomic characteristics of the catchment/region. The body of material informing this section is usually quite large and may be the included as a separate document and/or web based atlas. This section will also require the deployment of a geographical information system (GIS) as the majority of the base maps associated with the WQIP will need to be generated at this stage including the catchment and sub catchments maps that will be used to determine pollutant loads and identify priority action areas Urban land use Some of the important urban catchment characteristics information to identify or generate includes: Land use i.e. high resolution mapping showing; o Residential areas, Traditional low density, Medium density, High density/high rise. o Commercial and light industrial areas, o Heavy industry, o Major transport infrastructure (includes roads, rail, energy transmission lines, water pipelines and associated corridors), o Open space, Formal parks and gardens, Natural areas, Waterways and wetlands (constructed, modified and natural). o Development location relative to mature urban areas; o Peri-urban areas. Stormwater system layout and stormwater quality improvement measures (SQIM) location; Point source pollutant location and discharge data; Water quality and ecosystem health monitoring programs, data custodians and sampling locations

105 The catchment characteristics defined in this section provide the foundation or baseline for further analysis and/or decision making associated with threatening processes, pollutant sources, end of catchment loads, management practice effectiveness and distribution, risk assessment and management action prioritisation. This is discussed further in section Water Quality Issues, Pressures and Threats Water quality Issues include a range of pressures and threats, which may be caused by: natural phenomena and environmental factors; natural phenomena and environmental factors exacerbated by human interaction; inappropriate land management practices; misdirected policy settings and/or perverse incentives. It is recognised that not all pressures are threats, and that pressures and threats may not be translated to actual impacts on water quality. Water quality issues, pressures and threats can generally be defined in terms of pollutant type and source associated with land use type and related management practices. Water quality improvement plans assume that the majority of water quality issues, pressures and threats that can be addressed are associated with land based human activities (anthropogenic), which are impacting, or have the potential to impact, water quality and/or ecosystem health either directly or indirectly Urban pressures and threats Population growth is the primary urban based pressure as it drives development activity and the demand for infrastructure and services in coastal catchments. This translates into land use intensification i.e. urban expansion, with associated threats to the natural environment and the water cycle. This is illustrated conceptually in Figure 5-1 whereby population growth drives land use intensification impacting the natural environment and ecosystem health and degrading ecosystem function and services, including water quality. Figure 5-1 Environmental Infrastructure Pressure Note: Prepared for the draft Townsville City planning scheme Natural Assets planning scheme policy (PSP). The inset is the draft diagram that was included in the draft Natural Assets PSP

106 The transition from natural areas and low intensity land use to more intensive land use e.g. urban, brings a corresponding increase in water quality pollutant generation. Urban based threats emanate from both the land development stage (see section 2.12 and 2.16) and the mature/developed urban footprint through elevated levels of point source and diffuse source water quality pollutants. This is discussed in more detail in section 2.14 and As a generalisation for regional Queensland peri-urban areas are under the most land use intensification pressure from urban expansion and development. This has been identified in the functional state column in Figure 5-2, where peri-urban constitutes the main proportion of the Developing Functional state. Figure 5-2 Intensification of Land Use Note: This is a conceptual diagram relevant to highly developed catchments and is not meant to represent typical rural catchments. Developing includes change to a more intensive land use e.g. grazing to horticulture. Drinking water catchments are classed as a separate land use as they require special management attention to ensure that existing land uses within the catchment do not compromise water quality of the urban water supply storage. Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.25. Identifying and quantifying urban water quality pressures and threats is discussed further in section

107 5.6 Catchment Condition Catchment condition is a cumulative function of a variety of factors and the answer is dependent on the question i.e. the condition of what? Water quality improvement plans generally ask the question in regard to end of catchment loads and then infer backwards from the load answer. This interpolation is generally simpler and much less expensive than a comprehensive assessment of the actual condition of a catchment. A number of indicators are used to assist with the interpretation of catchment condition in terms of water quality and end of catchment loads including: Remnant vegetation extent/cleared area percentage; Vegetation type, condition and ground cover extent including riparian vegetation; Land use; Geology, soils and erosivity; Slope. Catchment condition is linked to the pressures and threats and may be an indicator of the impacts as well as a guide to areas requiring protection as part of a risk assessment and prioritisation process. Catchment condition can be expressed in a number of ways including by using water quality as the main indicator of catchment condition i.e. good water quality equals good catchment condition. This is only directly relevant for water quality as terrestrial biodiversity values of a catchment may be high while the catchment has poor water quality. An example of water quality related catchment condition reporting is provided in Figure 5-3 and Figure 5-4 for the same catchment i.e. Magnetic Island. Figure 5-3 Catchment Condition Reporting Example Note: Source is Connell Wagner 2008, p

108 Figure 5-4 Catchment and Waterway Condition Reporting Note: Source is Connell Wagner 2008, p Environmental Values Environmental values provide an indication of catchment condition and also serve as a point of reference for identifying relevant water quality objectives (WQOs) i.e. concentration based water quality targets. Environmental values (EVs) also have a legislative context in Queensland and can be gazetted under the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water), which is subordinate legislation of the Environmental Protection Act 1994 (EP Act) (see section 2.9.4). EVs are described in Table 5-2. Table 5-2 Environmental Values Description EV symbol Symbol Interpretation There are three EV levels (for levels of protection): High conservation/ecological value systems (HCV or HEV). They are often found within national parks, conservation reserves or inaccessible locations. Aquatic ecosystems Human Use (Beneficial use) Irrigation Slightly to moderately disturbed systems (SMD). These systems have undergone some changes but are not considered so degraded as to be highly disturbed. Highly disturbed systems (HD). These are degraded systems likely to have lower levels of naturalness. These systems may still retain some ecological or conservation values that require protecting. Targets for these systems are likely to be less stringent and may be aimed at remediation and recovery or retaining a functional but highly modified ecosystem that supports other environmental values also assigned to it. Irrigating crops such as sugar cane, lucerne, etc. Stock watering Water for stock e.g. cattle, horses, and sheep. Farm use Water for farm use such as in fruit packing or milking sheds, etc. Aquaculture Human consumption Water for aquaculture such as barramundi or red claw farming Human consumption of wild or stocked fish or crustaceans

109 Primary recreation Secondary recreation Visual appreciation Drinking Primary recreation with direct contact with water such as swimming or snorkelling. Secondary recreation with indirect contact with water such as boating, canoeing or sailing. Visual appreciation with no contact with water such as picnicing, bushwalking, sightseeing. Raw drinking water supplies for human consumption. Industrial Cultural & spiritual Water for industrial use such as power generation, manufacturing plants. Cultural and spiritual values including the cultural values of traditional owners. Note: The Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 1997 was updated in 2009 with aquatic ecosystem EVs divided into four categories i.e. the SMD category was separated into Slightly disturbed and Moderately disturbed. (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.48) National water quality management strategy Components of the EPP Water are based on the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS 2000), which provides a framework for protecting and enhancing the quality of the nation s waters. The NWQMS includes a number of water cycle management guidelines including general and urban relevant material that covers topics such as: Policies and processes to achieve water quality; Effluent and sewerage system management; Urban stormwater and recycled water; Fresh and marine water quality; Monitoring and reporting; Groundwater protection; and Drinking water. (Source: Various NWQMS documents and processes are used to assist with the determination of EVs and WQOs with the most relevant being the Implementation Guidelines (1998) and the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000). Queensland has a set of water quality guidelines, first published in 2006, which can be used as default guidelines where local water quality guidelines have not been prepared for the subject area. The NWQMS uses specific terminology as described in the text boxes below. Environmental Values The particular values or uses of the environment that contribute to public or private benefits (welfare) are called environmental values or beneficial uses. The determination of the regional community s preferred values and uses is an essential step in developing a water quality management program. (ARMCANZ/ANZECC 1994a, p.5) The environmental values originally defined in the "Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters" (ANZECC 1992) were: Protection of Aquatic Ecosystems o Freshwater and marine ecosystems, production of fish and shellfish, wildlife protection. Recreational Water Quality and Aesthetics o Primary and secondary contact, visual appreciation. Raw Water for Drinking Water Supply Agricultural Water Use

110 o Irrigation, stock watering, farmstead use Industrial Water Quality (ARMCANZ/ANZECC 1994a, p.6) Environmental values were updated and added to in the 2000 revision of the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for fresh and marine water quality (ANZECC 2000). Environmental values (EVs) are those qualities of the waterway that make it suitable to support particular aquatic ecosystems and human uses. These qualities require protection from the effects of pollution such as waste discharges, siltation and runoff. All waterways will possess at least one of the EVs listed (i.e. protection of aquatic ecosystems) and, in most cases, other human uses (e.g. irrigation, stock watering, drinking water, recreational uses) will also apply (EPA 2005, p.3). Currently EVs are divided into two primary categories: 1. Aquatic ecosystem, and 2. Human use. Human use EVs are further divided into types of human (beneficial) use while aquatic ecosystem EVs are divided into condition classes reflecting the degree of modification from natural conditions. (Source is Gunn, Manning and McHarg. 2009, p.3) Water quality guidelines A water quality guideline is a numerical concentration limit or narrative statement recommended to support and maintain a designated use of the water resource (GBRMPA 2008, p.23). Water quality guidelines are identified for different water quality indicators, such as ph, nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides, suspended solids, water clarity/turbidity, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and biological indicators (e.g. macroinvertebrate counts, seagrass distribution) (EPA 2005, p.4). As previously mentioned there are national water quality guidelines and water quality guidelines for Queensland. (Source is Gunn, Manning and McHarg. 2009, p.3) Water quality objectives Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) are established to protect the environmental values (EVs) of waterways in the area of interest. Where more than one EV is identified for a waterway (e.g. water suitable for both irrigation and aquatic ecosystems), the water quality guidelines to support each EV should be identified and the most stringent guideline for each water quality indicator is selected as the draft WQO i.e. it will protect all identified EVs. Draft WQOs are based on the community s initial choices for EVs and the subsequent identification of water quality guidelines to protect the EVs. Regional Natural Resource Management (NRM) bodies (and others) are encouraged to use this process to get to the draft WQOs, which they can then adopt, or use as the basis for water quality targets in NRM plans (EPA 2005, p.4). (Source is Gunn, Manning and McHarg. 2009, pp.3-4) Queensland water quality guidelines The Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2006 (QWQG), with minor updates in 2007, were developed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a regional extension of the NWQMS and the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters Quality (ANZECC 2000) (AWQG). The Queensland guidelines were designed to be regionally relevant based on regionally collected water quality data. Where no regional information is available the QWQG defaults back to the AWQG. The QWQG focus largely on aquatic ecosystem protection, across three Queensland geographic regions where water quality data was available i.e. Southeast, Central Coast, and the Wet Tropics. Version 3 of the QWQG was released in September 2009 and re-published in July 2013 to reflect machinery-of-government changes, (departmental names, web addresses, accessing datasets), and updated reference sources. No changes were made to water quality guidelines. (Source is Townsville WQIP, p.60) Water quality objectives Water quality objectives (WQOs) are generally physico-chemical and divided into water types including; freshwater, estuarine and marine. Each of these may be further subdivided

111 Urban specific WQOs may include; heavy metals, heavy metals in sediment, hydrocarbons and gross pollutants Comparing water quality and ambient WQOs Where water quality condition data is available, this can be collated and compared with adopted WQOs or water quality guidelines. This was done when preparing the Townsville WQIP using the WQOs for slightly/ moderately disturbed (SMD) waters to provide an indication of the physico-chemical water quality status of the freshwaters of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area with regard to sediment and nutrients (see Gunn, Manning and McHarg 2009). It should be noted that water quality data will mostly likely be derived from a variety of different sources and is unlikely to be consistent with regard to; monitoring timeframe, water quality indicators monitored, monitoring methods, analysis methods and continuity of monitoring. As a result collated data may only provide an initial indication of water quality in WQIP area sub basins and catchments. A Townsville example of reporting on water quality condition relative to the WQOs for SMD waters is provided in Table 5-3. Table 5-3 Townsville WQO Condition Example Notes: Tick/cross denotes if the WQO is met (tick ) or not (cross X) for the waterway based on the median value for the water quality indicator. The percentage indicates the amount by which the WQO is met or not met (the difference between the WQO and water quality condition median as a percentage of the WQO). No per cent is listed if the water quality condition is the same as the WQO. ND is no data. (Source is Townsville WQIP, p.65) Risk assessment The catchment condition section may be the most appropriate place to include the risk assessment as it is terrestrial run-off that produces the greatest anthropogenic threat to marine water quality and ecosystem health. Catchment condition, land use and management practices are intrinsically related to end of catchment loads and subsequent marine impacts. A summary of the approach used for the draft Wet Tropics WQIP (July 2014) is provided in the text box below

112 In essence the risk to two key marine receptors i.e. coral reefs and seagrass meadows, is assessed by linking the marine pollutants of greatest concern to the receptors with end of catchment loads. An additional factor added to the mix for coral reefs is the Crown-of-thorns Starfish (COTS). A quantitative technique was used to combine the results of the marine assessment, end-of-catchment loads and COTS influence to generate a Relative Risk Index for each of the Wet Tropics basins. 2.3 Relative risk assessment of degraded water quality to the Wet Tropics The relative risk of degraded water quality among the basins in the Wet Tropics region was determined by combining information on the estimated ecological risk of water quality to coral reefs and seagrass meadows in the region with end-of-catchment pollutant loads. The framework was based on that developed for the GBR wide relative risk assessment conducted by Brodie et al. (2013) to inform Reef Plan 3 priorities and modified where necessary to reflect issues and data availability in the Wet Tropics region. There are also several improvements to the input data in this assessment. For assessment of the marine risk, a suite of water quality variables was chosen that represent the pollutants of greatest concern with regards to land-sourced pollutants and potential impacts on coral reef and seagrass ecosystems. These include exceedance of ecologically-relevant thresholds for concentrations of total suspended solids (TSS) and chlorophyll a obtained from daily remote sensing observations, and the distribution of key pollutants including TSS, dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and photosystem II-inhibiting herbicides (PSII herbicides) in the marine environment during flood conditions (based on end-of-catchment loads and plume loading estimates). A factor that represents the influence of Crown of Thorns Starfish (COTS) on coral reefs, and the differential influence of river discharges on the COTS initiation zone was also included. Modelled end-of-catchment pollutant loads (generated from the Source Catchments model framework for the Paddock to Reef Program) were obtained for each basin for key pollutants (TSS, DIN, PSII herbicides, Particulate Nitrogen, Dissolved Inorganic Phosphorus and Particulate Phosphorus), and only the anthropogenic portions of regional total pollutant loads were considered in relating the relative risk to the basins. The anthropogenic load is calculated as the difference between the long term average annual load, and the estimated pre-european annual load. The information was then combined in a qualitative way to make conclusions about the relative risk of degraded water quality to coral reefs and seagrass meadows among the basins in the Wet Tropics region. The key results are summarised below (from Waterhouse et al., 2014). (Note: Source is the Draft Wet Tropics WQIP (July 2014), p.15) A comparable process could be utilised for urban areas, albeit it on a smaller scale, and with an additional assessment component emphasising the risk to local receiving waterways and wetlands from urban activities. 5.7 Water Quality and Management Practice Targets Water quality targets can be expressed in a variety of ways including as: ambient or base flow concentrations; event mean concentrations (EMC); end of catchment load reductions Ambient concentrations Water quality targets can be expressed in relation to the WQOs i.e. ambient/baseflow concentrations, and may even be a direct translation of the WQOs. Water quality targets may be different from WQOs especially if current condition is better than the WQOs. In that case the appropriate water quality targets will be more closely aligned to the current condition of the waterways than to the WQOs. When the current condition of a waterway is worse than the WQOs then an analysis of the likely improvement that could be achieved with available resources would be employed to determine a realistic water quality target, which may be an interim step to achieving the WQO over time. It needs to be recognised that in terms of the NWQMS, WQOs and water quality targets relate to ambient conditions and are different from the load targets that are normally used for WQIPs

113 5.7.2 Urban targets In the context of urban areas water quality targets are an expression of the anticipated water quality improvement achievements based on the implementation of actions and altered management practices. As such urban water quality targets are expressed as both load based reduction targets (mature urban) and event mean concentration targets for developing areas. (Source is Gunn, Manning and McHarg. 2009, p.5) Load reduction targets can be determined by modelling potential loads with and without stormwater quality management measures in place and/or by referring to legislative requirements (see section 2.10). An example of urban load reduction targets, based on stormwater quality management design objectives expressed as a minimum reduction in pollutant loads discharged from developed sites, are: Suspended solids (TSS) 80% (less than the site with no WSUD measures), Total phosphorus (TP) 65% (less than the site with no WSUD measures), Total nitrogen (TN) 40% (less than the site with no WSUD measures), Gross pollutants (> 5mm) 90% (less than the site with no WSUD measures). (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.77) Urban targets may also be expressed in terms of adoption rate of a management practice as in Table 5-4 Table 5-4 Management Practice Targets Management Practice Adoption Rate (%) Current (2014) Greenfield WSUD Best practice ESC Existing/mature urban WSUD retrofit Note: WSUD is water sensitive urban design and includes principles and measures. ESC is erosion and sediment control. (Adapted from the Townsville WQIP, p.76) Neither the ambient concentrations (WQOs), nor the urban load reduction targets associated with the adoption of WSUD management practices, directly address the acute sediment loads generated during the urban development and construction phases. This is addressed as an event mean concentration (EMC) target for sediment, ideally based on local water quality monitoring data (flow events). Nutrient targets can also be determined if there is sufficient local water quality data. An example from the Townsville WQIP is provided in Table 5-5. Legislative requirements for developing areas also apply (see section 2.10). Table 5-5 Example EMC Water Quality Target TSS (mg/l) Total N (µg/l) DIN N (µg/l) PN N (µg/l) Total P (µg/l) PP P (µg/l) FRP P (µg/l) Average EMC EMC target Notes: The EMC target for developing urban areas was derived by summing and averaging three of four event mean concentrations derived from event water quality monitoring samples taken from waterways of the developing coastal plains in Townsville (the highest value outlier was discarded). The average EMC value was then reduced by 40% to arrive at the event mean concentration water quality target. The 40% reduction is an approximation of theoretic potential reductions based on current best management practice incorporated in existing regulations for erosion and sediment control (pers. comm. Tony Weber BMT WBM). (Source is the Townsville WQIP, pp.77-8) 5.8 Ecosystem Health Targets As with water quality targets ecosystem health targets can be expressed in a number of ways including as: Ambient or base flow concentrations relative to WQOs for aquatic ecosystems (physico-chemical); Environmental flow; Presence/absence, population and/or diversity of fish species; Presence/absence, population and/or diversity of aquatic invertebrates; Extent and/or condition of aquatic vegetation; Extent and/or condition of riparian vegetation

114 5.8.1 Local waterways and wetlands Extent and condition can be classed as direct indicators of ecosystem health while water quality and flow are indirect indicators. The indicators are easier to measure and evaluate for freshwater systems and some e.g. riparian condition, are applicable only to freshwater, and possibly estuarine, ecosystem health. Freshwater ecosystem health indicators have been developed for south east Queensland and other parts of Australia and, with appropriate modifications could be applied to urban catchments of the Great Barrier Reef. A draft reporting process including ecosystem health indicators was developed during the preparation of the Townsville WQIP (see Connell Wagner 2009) and this could be a useful starting point, or at least inform, the development of ecosystem health targets for local waterways and wetlands Marine ecosystem health If marine ecosystem health targets are to be expressed as end of catchment loads i.e. water quality targets, then there needs to be some fundamental links made between anthropogenic actions, terrestrial run-off, the marine environment and ecosystem health. Attempts have been made to design such targets including by Brodie et al. (2009) and more recently by TropWATER during the update and preparation of the Wet Tropics WQIP for Terrain NRM. Two key terrestrial/marine connections have been confirmed in recent years: ultra fine sediment i.e. <0.4µm, concentration/loads and near shore ecosystem health; river discharges of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and crown of thorns starfish (COTS) i.e. delivery of DIN to the COTS Initiation Zone. The development of ecologically relevant end of catchment load reduction targets for the Wet Tropics basins for sediment and DIN is based on these two relationships, as described in Brodie et al. (2014) Environmental flow Environmental flow is a term used to express the amount/proportion of the natural flow of a watercourse required to maintain aquatic habitat health and ecological function in waterways and waterbodies. While environmental flow is usually related to regulated waterways where there are impoundments, environmental flow also applies to unregulated waterways where water entitlements allow landowners to extract water for irrigation and other purposes. As such environmental flow could be considered to be a type of ecosystem health target. Regulated waterways are often linked with urban areas as dams are required to impound catchment run-off to provide year round raw water supply to meet the needs of urban populations. Human water demands usually override environmental needs legislatively (see Water Act 2000), which reduces the potential for setting realistic environmental flow targets for many catchments in Queensland, as the water has already been allocated. For unregulated systems the general provisions of the Water Act 2000 (the Act) apply with regard to taking water from a watercourse or other waterbody. If a landowner wants to take water from a stream, lake or other waterbody they are required to apply to the administrator of the Act i.e. the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM), for a water licence. These water licences are now subject to conditions whereby the stream must have a certain flow before water can be extracted. Old licences were often based on water take quantity only. An environmental flow target for unregulated systems to maintain aquatic ecosystem health may be to maintain stream flow at greater than 80 per cent of natural flow. Flow related stormwater management design objectives are also included in the single state planning policy for urban areas (see ), however this is in a different context and it would be difficult to directly relate the objectives to environmental flow targets for the wider catchment. (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.79) 5.9 Water Quality Improvement Options, Costs and Benefits Management options that are known to and/or have the potential to improve water quality have been identified for urban areas and fall into the broad categories shown in the urban water quality improvement framework (see section 3) with specific actions included in the ABCD management practice classification (see section 4). The main relationships between the broad water quality improvement management components and the environment, with an urban focus, are shown in Figure

115 Figure 5-5 WQIP Components Relationships Notes: Solid lines indicate physical linkages between components with the thickness indicating the assumed or potential magnitude of the influence. Broken lines indicate conceptual linkages between components i.e. policy and planning. SBSMP is site based stormwater management plan. ESCP is erosion and sediment control plan and measures. BMP is best (available at the time) management practice. ABCD is a management practice framework for identifying, implementing and measuring BMP and BMP uptake. WSUD is water sensitive urban design. M indicates potential water quality monitoring points. T is human instigated water treatment e.g. raw water to potable water. Natural water treatment e.g. riparian zone filtering, which occurs in natural systems and peri-urban and rural areas has not been noted on the diagram. (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.85)

116 Background and specific information about the management options considered during the preparation of the Townsville WQIP can be found in the report titled Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits (Gunn and Manning 2010) Urban management options Management options are reasonably well defined for urban areas in terms of structural improvements with costs varying depending on the situation e.g. retrofitting stormwater quality improvement measures (SQIM) is generally more expensive than incorporating SQIM in new developments. It is no surprise that management option implementation decisions revolve around the two main accepted urban water quality improvement management practices: Erosion prevention and site based stormwater management for developing (urban) areas; Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) for mature urban areas, incorporated during the predevelopment stage. WSUD addresses a different water quality scenario to the soil erosion and sediment movement issues associated with developing urban areas, however erosion and sediment control during the construction phase is also necessary when installing WSUD elements to ensure they operate effectively post construction. WSUD measures can be installed at any stage of the development cycle (see Figure 5-5) however the most cost efficient timing appears to be integration of WSUD at the concept design stage. Properly implemented WSUD can address the majority of stormwater quality issues associated with mature urban areas by smoothing flows and reducing the amount/concentration of pollutants in stormwater run-off that reach receiving waters. While WSUD has only been mandatory across Queensland since 2010, as a result of the introduction of State Planning Policy (SPP) 4/10 Healthy Waters, south east Queensland has been investigating and incorporating WSUD components in the urban setting since the early 2000s, principally through the efforts of Brisbane City and Gold Coast City Councils. More recently Logan City and Ipswich City Councils have taken up the challenge. Regional Queensland is generally slower to adopt new practices however the gazettal of SPP 4/10 provided the incentive for regional local government to accelerate their adoption rate. WSUD was included as one of the main water quality improvement options in the Townsville WQIP. The modelled improvements associated with WSUD were based on a set of draft stormwater quality design objectives determined during the preparation of the Water Sensitive Urban Design Technical Design Guidelines for Stormwater Management for the Coastal Dry Tropics (Townsville) (EDAW 2008), which were subsequently included in SPP 4/10. (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.76) WSUD was not initially embraced in Townsville due to a number of factors including the perceived increase in development costs and the need to adopt a new way of doing business i.e. incorporating intangible commercial benefits such as water quality improvement. Addressing these types of issues and other non-structural management actions (see section ) is extremely important when examining management options as it is often the socio-economic factors i.e. people, patterns (imbedded culture), politics/policy and transition processes, that need to be thoughtfully considered to enable the structural components to be effectively implemented. When weighing up the options some of the factors to consider include: Likely water quality improvement outcomes based on; o stakeholder knowledge/experiences, o scientific evidence, o catchment modelling results. Real (quantifiable and/or qualitative) and perceived (qualitative) benefits; Potential for integration with existing programs and projects; Ongoing maintenance requirements; Value for money in terms of lifecycle costing; Social acceptability;

117 Practicality of implementation i.e. available resources and timeframes. (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.81) More than standard cost/benefit An understandable consideration when evaluating options is the concept of value for money or benefits versus costs. The costs are generally relatively easy to quantify as these are associated with human activities such as planning processes and installation of stormwater systems and WSUD measures. The benefits however are spread across the social, economic, cultural and environmental realms making the calculation of benefits far more problematic than for costs. Cost/benefit analysis is generally based on a quantitative comparison of input (cost) and output (benefits). Doing a realistic cost/benefit analysis by comparing the two is difficult as there is currently no accepted reference point for valuing environmental infrastructure, ecological functions and ecosystem services. This is the case across the whole catchment and the situation becomes more complex in urban areas due to the added social dimensions associated with population density and human requirements to maintain their life support systems for physical and emotional health. As the emphasis in decision making is usually placed on cost effectiveness rather than enviro-social benefits the imbalance needs to be innovatively addressed so that community and the environment are not undervalued and relegated to somewhere below the bottom line. The answers are not provided in this document Urban cost/benefit Gunn and Manning (2010) provide some information on costs and benefits of water quality improvement options for the Townsville region that may be translatable to other urban areas in the GBR catchment or at least may provoke thought when analysing options. Urban topics that are covered in reasonable depth in the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits report include: Cost of sewage/wastewater treatment plant upgrades to reduce concentrations in treated discharge water including annual cost of nutrient reduction; Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) costs and benefits based on the draft report titled Water Sensitive Urban Design to meet the proposed stormwater management objectives in Queensland: A Business Case (Water by Design 2009) including; o Costs with and without rainwater tanks as part of the WSUD treatment train, o Comparison of nitrogen treatment costs for point source and WSUD, o Lifecycle costs/benefits of waterway rehabilitation works, o Property value benefits, o Avoided development costs i.e. benefit, o Unquantified benefits identified by Water by Design. Framework and initial scoping for preparing a total water cycle management plan (TWCMP) incorporating an urban stormwater quality management plan (USQMP) (since superseded due to legislation amendments), Enabling actions including; o Recent legislative changes including, Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, SPP 4/10 Healthy Waters, The Draft Queensland Coastal Plan 2009 under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995, Sustainable Planning Act 2009, Local Government Act 2009 replacing the previous 1993 Act, Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008, Vegetation Management (Regrowth Clearing Moratorium) Act 2009, Great Barrier Reef Protection Amendment Act 2009 i.e. amends the Environmental Protection Act 1994 with regard agricultural activities in some GBR catchments, o Behaviour change and social learning including, Community based education and involvement (CBEI), Thematic Interpretation/Communication, Community Based Social Marketing, Collective Social Learning. Riparian revegetation costs

118 Of particular interest in the list is the WSUD business case prepared by Water by Design in an attempt to counter some of the negative perceptions of WSUD prior to the introduction of SPP 4/10 Healthy Waters. Does WSUD add significantly to the cost of development? There are a number of frequently asked questions about WSUD, which often focus on the costs associated with construction and maintenance of WSUD measures. The benefits associated with WSUD are often overlooked including the role that appropriate WSUD can play in reducing degradation to natural waterways and wetlands, assist with flood mitigation and improve neighbourhood amenity. Water by Design, with financial assistance from the State of Queensland acting through the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM), developed six WSUD case studies, for four Queensland regions (Brisbane, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns), representing typical developments that would be subject to the requirements of the SPP Healthy Waters when enacted. (Gunn and Manning 2010, p.25) The principals and costs are still relevant and can be incorporated in decision making when assessing WSUD options and implementation strategies RUSMIG/Water by Design collaboration As mentioned in the introduction (section 2.2) the Reef Urban Stormwater Management Improvement Group (RUSMIG) and Water by Design have delivered a Reef Rescue project titled Collaboration to the rescue. One of the intended project products was a business case for erosion and sediment control (ESC). Stage 1 of the ESC Business Case involved a literature review and compilation of existing data on sediment loads from construction sites and efficacy of various ESC measures. The review found that there is insufficient local data to draw a complete picture of the current situation. Stage Two of the project aims to establish a suitable economic framework for the Business Case and go some way to gather more local data and compile further information on the total cost to the community of implementing or not implementing ESC on construction sites. The product from the project that will assist at this stage of the study is a report showing the business case for Councils implementing effective erosion and sediment control compliance across developing urban areas. Water by Design has a range of products that can assist with determining the most appropriate WSUD elements to adopt as part of urban water quality improvement measures (see section 6.13) Water Quality Improvement Management Actions As mentioned above the main management action areas for urban land uses are: 1) Erosion prevention and site based stormwater management for developing (urban) areas; and 2) Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) for mature urban areas. Erosion prevention and site based stormwater management are the on ground end result of non-structural measures and are discussed in more detail in section Error! Reference source not found. and 6.9. Similarly WSUD principles are the non-structural component preceding stormwater infrastructure establishment (see section ). WSUD was included as one of the main water quality improvement action areas in the Townsville WQIP as it has been shown to be effective in reducing water quality pollutant concentrations and loads in other parts of Australia (and the world). Creek to Coral (Townsville City Council) commissioned the development of stormwater WSUD products specifically for the Townsville region as part of its WQIP development project. The Townsville WSUD products are listed in Table 5-6. Table 5-6 Townsville WSUD Products WSUD Strategy Roadmap To assist with the adoption of WSUD a web based navigation tool has been developed called the WSUD Strategy Roadmap. The Roadmap has been designed to assist the development industry access information and resources relevant to the application of WSUD in the Coastal Dry Tropics including links to locally relevant WSUD Fact Sheets (see below), WSUD Objectives and Technical Design Guidelines (for civil and landscape designers). Links to additional references not specific to the Coastal Dry Tropics are also provided along with comments on the relevance of these references and caveats on their use in the Coastal Dry Tropics. Factsheets Factsheet 1 - Concepts and Terms

119 Factsheet 2 - WSUD in the Dry Tropics Factsheet 3 - Site Planning and Urban Design Factsheet 4 - Industrial and Commercial Sites Factsheet 5 - Carparks Factsheet 6 - Porous Pavement Factsheet 7 - Best Management Practices Water Sensitive Urban Design - Design Objectives for the Dry Tropics Water Sensitive Urban Design Technical Design Guidelines for the Coastal Dry Tropics Note: Source is Gunn and Manning 2010, Table 2.6, p.23. Water quality improvement management actions for urban areas should seriously consider the preparation, adaptation or adoption of WSUD guidance material to suit local conditions. The full set of management actions and associated commentary for urban areas from the Townsville WQIP are included in Appendix B Non-structural and social approaches While many of the management actions are directed at specific land uses and stages of development, some of the management actions will be common to the whole of the WQIP area. Supportive and enabling activities generally involve non-structural elements and social approaches to water quality improvement. Non-structural approaches can be grouped in a number of ways including: 1. Legislation, Policy and Planning; 2. Monitoring and Evaluation; Management effectiveness monitoring, Ecosystem health monitoring program, Management action uptake audit. 3. Education, awareness and behaviour change; Community/Residents, Institutional/Industry. Some of the non-structural management action areas and social approaches to water quality improvement from the Townsville WQIP (as modified) are included in Table 5-7. Table 5-7 Townsville WQIP Enabling and Social Approaches Policy and strategic planning The first set of enabling management actions involve some form of policy or governance arrangements, which generally overlap with local government regulatory roles and functions through planning and environmental legislation and the development assessment process e.g. planning schemes. Policy, governance arrangements and regulatory functions all need to have access to the most relevant information from the biophysical and socio-economic realms. The policy and governance management actions (see Appendix 1 in the Townsville WQIP) to achieve the strategic planning management action targets (below) include strategic planning studies and integration of natural asset assessment. The actions are closely linked to condition assessment and behaviour change investigations. Strategic planning Management outcome 5: To ensure relevant water quality improvement initiatives, information and activities are investigated and integrated where appropriate into Council strategic policy and planning instruments MAT 5.1 Appropriate water quality improvement actions integrated with the draft Townsville City Council Planning Scheme by 2014 MAT 5.2 Regulatory, policy and land use planning frameworks across all levels of government support the enhanced adoption of water quality improvement actions in Townsville MAT 5.3 A Total Water Cycle Management Plan (TWCMP) developed for Townsville linking stormwater, wastewater, potable water and waterway management (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.91) Condition assessment and mapping Natural asset condition assessment and mapping, combined with socio-economic data, underpins appropriate decision-making and policy development

120 Ecosystem health improvement Management outcome 6: On-ground actions are prioritised for improving water quality and ecosystem health MAT 6.1 Condition assessment studies progressed by 2011 to enable prioritisation of on-ground works MAT 6.2 Traditional Owner waterway and water quality values are incorporated into planning and implementation of management actions MAT 6.3 Priority (no regrets) on-ground works for water quality and ecosystem health improvement underway by 2010 (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.92) Socio-economic and behavioural actions In the realm of energy use and waste management it is less expensive to reduce demand or the need for disposal facilities than to construct new infrastructure. The same concept applies to water pollutant load reduction i.e. reduction at the source through behaviour change is less costly than installing physical infrastructure. Council has a range of community based education and involvement (CBEI) initiatives in place, which promote catchment management outcomes and people-based solutions to environmental issues. More recently a number of behaviour change approaches have been added to the CBEI toolkit to accelerate the uptake of sustainability practices. Behaviour change strategies can be used in most situations where people are involved including in the mature urban environment to reduce the need for expensive infrastructure retrofits. In developing environments behaviour change strategies would be used as a precursor to the development of effective strategies and programs to encourage the uptake of erosion and sediment control and WSUD measures (see Gunn 2010). The main behaviour change targets are listed below. Community involvement and capacity Management outcome 7: All sectors of the community have access to the information and training required to contribute to implementation of relevant water quality improvement actions in the WQIP area MAT 7.1 Community involvement in water quality improvement is supported through continuation of community based education and involvement programs MAT 7.2 Locally relevant training and information provision programs developed and delivered to relevant sector groups based on the identified and agreed priority actions MAT 7.3 Best practice management and measures being implemented in the home and workplace as a result of programs developed using behaviour change study results MAT 7.4 Best practice market based incentive options investigated for water quality improvement Communication plus Good communications and management systems along with coordinated and integrated actions are critical to the success of the WQIP. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Management outcome 8: To ensure water quality improvement actions are effective in improving water quality and results are communicated appropriately to the community MAT 8.2 Knowledge and information requirements are identified and prioritised for major sector groups MAT 8.4 An integrated report card developed to communicate the progressive outcomes from the implementation of the WQIP, including achievement of water quality improvement targets MAT 8.5 An effective cross regional Reef urban water quality improvement group contributes to water quality improvement outcomes for all local governments in the Great Barrier Reef catchment i.e. the Reef Urban Stormwater Management Improvement Group (RUSMIG) (Source is the Townsville WQIP, pp.92-3) 5.11 Implementation Schedule Implementation schedules will be WQIP specific and dependent on available resources and other factors. No guidance is provided with regard to this section

121 5.12 MERI and Adaptive Management There are two key monitoring and evaluation components associated with WQIPs. 1) WQIP implementation effectiveness e.g. management practice adoption; and 2) Water quality monitoring and modelling WQIP effectiveness The Townsville WQIP was designed as a catchment management based systematic approach to improving water quality by improving the human behaviours and management practices that influence and impact water quality. The main method for determining the effectiveness of the WQIP in the short to medium term was to be based on the observation and measurement of behaviour change and especially the adoption rates of recommended management practice. To assist with the task of determining baseline management practice status and then measuring adoption rates, an ABCD management practice framework for urban areas was to be developed. Some guidance on measuring WQIP effectiveness for urban areas is provided in section Water quality monitoring and modelling Water quality monitoring and modelling is essential and/or useful for: Determining the current condition of receiving waters; Identifying trends in water quality condition; Predicting and/or measuring improvements associated with management practice change; Calibrating and verifying water quality models; Informing the adaptive planning and management process; Refining water quality and ecosystem health targets; Establishing locally relevant water quality guidelines; Contributing to the decision support system to achieve more effective outcomes for the WQIP. An integrated water quality monitoring and modelling strategy was prepared by the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research (ACTFR) (Bainbridge et al 2008) for the Townsville WQIP area to measure, assess and report on the effectiveness of the WQIP and in particular, the impact of improved land management practices on receiving waters associated with WQIP implementation actions. The strategy was to be further developed and detail added as an implementation action of the WQIP (see Table 5-8). Table 5-8 WQIP Action Areas Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Management outcome 8: To ensure water quality improvement actions are effective in improving water quality and results are communicated appropriately to the community MAT 8.1 A comprehensive monitoring, modelling and evaluation program developed and being implemented as part of the ongoing adaptive planning and management framework of the WQIP (includes Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Modelling Program) MAT 8.3 Opportunities identified to invest in research to develop and assess the performance of water quality improvement actions in the region The proposed Townsville WQIP (2010) water quality monitoring framework is illustrated in Figure Urban Paddock to Reef water quality monitoring At the local urban level as much importance is placed on the health of local waterways as it is on the receiving water of the Great Barrier Reef. If water quality can be improved at the local waterway level then the waters of the Great Barrier Reef will also benefit. While broad scale catchment monitoring has a longterm purpose it is unlikely to detect any small-scale water quality improvements in the short-term. The most suitable place to measure water quality improvement is at the source of the improvement where management practice changes can be directly related to water quality changes. A key component of the proposed Creek to Coral water quality monitoring program for Townsville is paddock scale monitoring to assess the effectiveness of WSUD measures

122 Figure 5-6 Catchment Ecosystem Health Monitoring Framework Source is the Townsville WQIP, Fig 7.1 (TWQIP, p.104)

123 The urban Paddock to Reef water quality monitoring approach was to be designed as a component of the WQIP based on the integrated water quality monitoring and modelling strategy (Bainbridge et al 2008) as further described in Monitoring and modelling to evaluate the efficacy of structural and non-structural best practice stormwater management measures in the developing urban areas of Townsville (Draft) (Manning 2010, unpublished). This is similar to the monitoring program for rural areas and could be easily integrated with the Reef Programme. The general principles of the paddock to reef program are illustrated in Figure 5-7. Additional guidance is provided in section Figure 5-7 Paddock to Reef Concept Source is Bainbridge et al in Manning Pollutant modelling Calculating the load reductions that can be achieved by installing WSUD elements requires knowledge of the loads that are generated from developed urban catchments without any WSUD elements in place. This generic body of knowledge exists and is used as input to an appropriate catchment model e.g. Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation (MUSIC); to assess the potential effectiveness of proposed WSUD elements. However, further work is required to determine the most appropriate pollutant runoff coefficients for the Townsville region. Modelling to determine stormwater quality improvement as a result of inclusion of WSUD elements is carried out during the pre-construction design phase, with the results included in the information submitted as part of the development approval process. Post-construction verification of the effectiveness of in-situ WSUD elements relies on water quality monitoring where both the pollutant concentration and the volume of runoff are measured to calculate the pollutant load (pollutant concentration x volume = pollutant load) (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.77) Determining sustainable load levels requires the linking of pollutant runoff from catchments with the condition of receiving waters, generally through a receiving waters model. Event mean concentration (EMC) values for a suite of land uses derived from local event water quality monitoring data is used as input to a catchment model. WaterCAST was used for the Townsville WQIP to derive end of catchment sediment and nutrient loads, and flow volumes. (Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.69) The Source model is being used for the current round of WQIP updates. Urban water quality modelling is discussed in section

124 Adaptive management Adaptation will be part of an ongoing process for action planning and implementation with details of monitoring and assessment of each project or task to be built into each action plan as part of the monitoring component. This will include a set of decision rules to revise targets and actions (tasks), including timeframes. The suggested adaptive planning and management framework from the Townsville WQIP is displayed in Figure 5-8. Figure 5-8 Adaptive Planning and Management Framework Note: WQ monitoring and modelling fits into the Decision Support and Implementation boxes simultaneously (i.e. doing decision support) with Steps 14 and 15 (see Fig 7.2) comprising the adaptive management component. Source is the Townsville WQIP, Fig 7.4, p.110)

125 5.13 References and Resources References and resources including those developed by Water by Design (Healthy Waterways) since 2006 and through the most recent Reef Rescue project Collaboration to the rescue are provided in section Figure 5-9 Urban Reef-wide Water Quality Improvement Project

126 6. Urban WQIP Guidance 6.1 Guidance Guidance The guidance provided in this section is both specific and general in nature and as such should not be relied on solely for decision making. As each WQIP region is different there will be a range of differences that will need to be negotiated in terms of key stakeholders and local governance arrangements. The overarching regulatory context however is relatively uniform for the Great Barrier Reef catchment with differences occurring at the local level due to variations in local planning instruments e.g. planning schemes. The starting point for inclusion of urban land use water quality matters in WQIPs is at the point of difference between urban and rural land use i.e. the regulatory context and key stakeholders. 6.2 Legislation and Regulatory Context Legislation relevant to coastal development and urban land use is prepared and administered by the State and Commonwealth governments while implementation of the legislation is often devolved to local government to implement at the ground level. Local government however is not generally provided with adequate additional resources to administer or enforce the obligations devolved to it. The regulatory context for urban areas in Queensland is provided in sections 2.8, 2.9, 2.10 and How Local Government Works Local government derives its authority and assumed roles from the Local Government Act 2009 (Qld) (LG Act), which defines the way in which a local government is constituted and the nature and extent of its responsibilities and powers (LG Act, p.17) Processes and procedures While local government governance arrangements may seem to be slow or tedious at times they are in place to ensure the appropriate processes and procedures are followed by staff, management, the CEO, Councillors and the Mayor to conform to the legislation that defines how local government operates for the benefit of its constituents within its local government area (LGA). Local government in essence is a locally owned and operated public service provision corporation. The corporation is answerable to its shareholders who are the residents and ratepayers of the LGA. The shareholders have a virtual annual general meeting every four years when they elect the company directors i.e. Councillors, and chairman of the board i.e. the Mayor. Councillors attend regular company board meetings i.e. full Council meetings, to attend to the business of Council and approve policy, actions and expenditure based on recommendations from Council sub committees and the CEO, which in turn is based on reports, advice and recommendations from department directors, managers and their staff and possibly informed by external reports and studies prepared by consultants and other relevant professionals/experts as well as community consultation and submissions from the public, depending on the matter being considered. The machinations of local government grind away in the background and things get done within a specific operating framework. When working with local government external organisations need to be mindful of the whole system of governance, local government accountability and the reporting requirements and constraints of Councillors and staff working within local government. Local government structure may also present some challenges to those outside the system attempting to understand how local government works Local government structures Local government organisational structures are not defined by the LG Act so these vary from Council to Council. Understanding how your local government works starts with the organisational structure and

127 identifying the roles of each department and the key people/person to contact. The five departments and upper management structure of Townsville City Council (2012) is shown in Figure 6-1 as an example. Figure 6-1 Local Government Organisational Structure Example Specific investigations and discoveries will need to be made for other Great Barrier Reef catchment Councils. It should be noted that Council structures are subject to change and refinement especially following performance reviews, when new CEOs are appointed or there is a significant shift in the composition of Councillors and/or a new Mayor is elected. The last big change in Council structures across Queensland occurred post 2008 following the state-wide amalgamation of local government areas and Councils. The Townsville example is discussed below in relation to stormwater management and water quality improvement activities Diffuse source stormwater management In the Townsville structure stormwater systems are maintained by Infrastructure Services through Maintenance Services. Formal parks and open space adjacent to stormwater systems are maintained by Park Services which became a part of Maintenance Services in Natural areas and waterways associated with stormwater systems, which may include WSUD measures, are maintained by Integrated Sustainability Services (ISS), which is part of the Community and Environment department. Each of these units may also employ contractors to undertake maintenance of stormwater assets on their behalf. Development assessment is a little simpler with the Planning and Development (P and D) department responsible for managing the process. P and D may call on internal expertise from ISS, Maintenance Services and Engineering Services when determining appropriate development approval conditions. External expertise is also called on to prepare studies and provide input to decision making processes including specialist consultants to prepare planning instruments e.g. schemes and planning scheme policies, and to undertake flood/hydrological studies and prepare catchment plans

128 6.3.4 Point source management Wastewater treatment plants are managed by Wastewater Services, which is part of the Water and Waste (W and W) department. W and W is also responsible for water treatment and supply including the management of water storages and supply catchments. Water conservation is generally a partnership between W and W and ISS with Communications and Customer Relations and/or Community Services also potentially involved for public relations, advertising and marketing. Solid waste management and litter is the responsibility of Environmental Health which is part of Community and Environment. Again ISS, Communications and Customer Relations and/or Community Services may also be involved in public relations, advertising, marketing and community engagement. 6.4 Working with Local Government It is probably simpler for local government to prepare urban WQIP components as there is greater potential for effective internal coordination using existing working groups. As an example the Townsville WQIP was coordinated via Creek Coral with a steering group consisting of members of an established water quality working group i.e. Townsville City Council, Thuringowa City Council, EPA, DERM, GBRMPA, ACTFR and JCU, Townsville Port Authority, CSIRO, CVA, DPIF and NQ Dry Tropics. Partnering and working with local government is essential for incorporating urban water quality improvement in WQIPs when WQIPs are prepared by regional NRM bodies, catchment management groups or other organisations. If there is an existing working group or consultation process that involves local government that is related to water quality improvement, catchment management or something similar then that group or process could be used by the organisation preparing the WQIP as the catalyst for the WQIP partnership with local government Relationships and appropriate people In any case if an existing relationship with local government can be utilised as the starting point for planning the consultation process associated with WQIP preparation then the preliminary work that would otherwise be required can be reduced. The preliminary work required is the development of a relationship with the appropriate people/person in local government who will be willing to champion their local government s involvement in the WQIP preparation process and coordinate the involvement and/or input of other relevant Council staff. Local government staff at the mid and upper management level i.e. the appropriate level for meaningful input and/or coordination of input, generally have a busy schedule so requests to be involved in an external process may not be an immediate priority or be met with unbridled enthusiasm. That is not to say that local government is not interested in being involved in non-statutory planning rather they have a governance structure that has regulatory bounds and constraints with their primary responsibility being to the constituents of the local government area as described in the Local Government Act While effort is required from both sides to form and maintain a relationship the initial hard work needs to come from the party engaging the local government. If the organisation preparing the WQIP can make it easy for local government to be involved then the partnership will be seen as mutually beneficial and can become highly productive. Once the relationship is established and internal approval has been gained the involvement of local government can proceed as an ongoing working collaboration Information briefs Preparing an initial project information brief for your local government/s will assist them to understand what a WQIP is about, what is being asked of them and how they i.e. the local government area and its constituents, can benefit from being involved in the preparation of the WQIP i.e. the urban components at least

129 The initial brief should also provide enough information for the local government contacts/champions so they can take it to their up line manager or director, if required, to gain approval to be involved and/or coordinate the involvement of their Council. The wording of the brief should be carefully considered as it may also be included as an attachment as part of a formal report to Council, or a Council committee, if required by the staff member/s or their managers/directors. Further information briefs may be required to assist local government key contacts gain approval for activities and/or involve other local government staff in activities. Working closely with local government key contacts is important so that they have the necessary information to justify the value to their organisation/s of their ongoing involvement and to assist with consultation and information exchange processes. 6.5 Population Growth and Development One of the main requirements for urban water quality improvement planning is an understanding of the rate of expansion of the urban footprint i.e. development pressures and associated land use changes Mapping The starting point is the collation of baseline urban land use information. This can generally be compiled from existing local government mapping and/or state government data. Larger Councils usually having a GIS section and may have the capacity to generate the necessary GIS layers for the organisation preparing the WQIP. However to expedite the preparation of the required products i.e. rather than waiting for Council staff to be available to complete external work, and to add flexibility to products that can be generated over time it may be more efficient to secure a licence agreement with your Council/s to access Council GIS layers and generate the mapping products in-(your)-house. An option to explore is if Council/s have been involved in recent planning processes where they have put together GIS packages for consultants for other projects. The same/similar GIS package may be relevant to the preparation of the WQIP. Much of the GIS information required is also available in the public domain and/or can be accessed through state government departments and Geoscience Australia. Local government may however have the most up to date mapping e.g. aerial photography or LIDAR, and be custodians of data generated through studies and investigations undertaken in-house and/or by consultants, which is not otherwise accessible Population growth Local government is highly interested in population growth and development pressures as these are at the base of its business i.e. land use planning, development assessment, community infrastructure provision and maintenance, and management of utility services. At any time local government is likely to be involved in some form of predictive planning process incorporating population growth estimates. As an example, while preparing the Townsville WQIP Townsville City Council (TCC) was conducting a strategic road network planning process to guide a 20-year capital works program. TCC had developed a population growth model using population growth projection figures from the Queensland Government s Population Information and Forecasting Unit (PIFU) to generate population increase estimates across the various planning scheme zones Land use change scenarios and pollutant modelling These Council generated population growth estimates were made available to Creek to Coral for use in preparing the Townsville WQIP as base information for predicting end of catchment pollutant loads and water quality improvements across a range of scenarios. As the starting point predicted population growth was coupled with; known dwelling occupancy rates, known and anticipated urban expansion areas, planning scheme zonings and population densities, the regional growth strategy plan and updated, existing land use mapping, to produce population and development growth maps across the sub catchments of the WQIP area for:

130 The base case i.e baseline land use; 2014 and 2021 i.e. achievable management practice adoption timeframes; 2045 i.e. a measurable ecosystem health improvement timeframe. Modelling end of catchment pollutant loads for urban areas is discussed in section Point Source and Diffuse Source Issues Point source and diffuse source water quality pollutant issues are discussed in sections 2.14 and 2.15 respectively. The most relevant area of interconnection between the two pollutant sources is associated with population growth and end of catchment loads. Defining and interpreting end of catchment loads with regard to the two pollutant sources is discussed in section Point source The most significant urban point source pollutant emitters in terms of potential water quality impacts are most likely to be wastewater (sewage) treatment plants (WWTP). Other industrial activities may discharge pollutants directly to receiving waters however most usually emit pollutants to air or land and as such may not have a direct and measurable impact on water quality. Emissions to air and subsequent atmospheric deposition is taken into account as a diffuse source of pollution (see Gunn and Barker 2009). Identifying point source emitters and emissions is the first step in determining potential end of catchment pollutant load contributions. Local government is the obvious place to investigate WWTP discharges however other information sources and custodians may need to be consulted to identify the less obvious point source discharges and to confirm discharge types. Key non local government information sources are: Information about Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs) licensed through the Department of Environment and Heritage Protection (DEHP) (see section 2.9.2); and The National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) ( Figure 6-2 Example Point Source Location Map Note: Source is the Townsville WQIP, p

131 Information provided by local government i.e. Townsville City Council, along with the above information sources was used in the preparation of the Townsville WQIP to identify and quantify point source pollutants and their influence on water quality in the WQIP area. All point source pollutant generators were mapped as shown in Figure 6-2. This then is the base map highlighting the location of potential point source issues. More detailed information on point source pollutant identification and calculations is available in Gunn and Barker 2009 with some summary information in section Discussion on point source pollutants and water quality modelling is provided in section Diffuse source The main diffuse source water quality pollutants, origin and associated issues are listed in Table 6-1. Additional summary information is provided in section 2.15 with detailed information on the methodologies used for the Townsville WQIP in Gunn and Barker 2009 that could be utilised for other regions. Table 6-1 Diffuse Source Water Quality Pollutants Pollutant type and source Water quality issue Leaf litter, grass clippings and other vegetation BOD, N, P Dog and other domesticated animal faeces P, N, BOD, biological pathogens Pesticides, herbicides and fertilisers Pesticide, N, P Sewer overflows N, P, biological pathogens Sewer outlets illegally connected to stormwater systems N, P, biological pathogens Septic tank leakage N, P, biological pathogens Leakage and spillage of materials from vehicles, storage tanks Hydrocarbons, chemicals, litter and bins Seepage from land fill waste disposal sites Metals, biological pathogens Waste water from cleaning operations Hydrocarbons, chemicals, P Corrosion of roofing and other metallic materials Metals Industrial emissions PM, NO2, SO2, NH4 Vehicle emissions PM, NO2, Vehicle component wear including tyres and brakes PM, metals Wear of road surfaces PM, metals, hydrocarbons Erosion from construction activity and vegetation removal SS, P, N Litter plastic, glass and metal containers, plastic, foam etc Gross pollutants Ash and smoke from fires PM, nutrients, VOC, metals Windblown pollen, insects and micro-organisms PM, N, P, VOC Note: Source is the Townsville WQIP, p.32. BOD is biochemical oxygen demand, N is nitrogen, P is phosphorus, PM is particulate matter, SS is suspended solids, NO2 is nitrogen dioxide, VOC is volatile organic compounds, SO2 is sulphur dioxide, NH4 is ammonia. Determining actual impacts of diffuse source urban water quality pollutants is a function of observation over time generally through water quality monitoring and trend analysis in relation to the upstream land use. Water quality monitoring is relatively expensive so a combination of catchment modelling coupled with monitoring is used to predict theoretical impacts and improvements. Information about monitoring and modelling urban diffuse impacts and improvement is provided in section 6.8 and Climate change We understand how climate change is likely to impact coastal urban areas as a result of sea level rise. Diffuse source impacts of urban areas on water quality as a result of climate change is not well understood and no insight is offered due to the lack of investigation of the possible issues. A report with a general discussion about water quality and climate change was prepared for the Townsville WQIP and is available on the Creek to Coral website (see SEA )

132 6.7 National Water Quality Management Strategy The National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) was developed by the Australian Government in cooperation with state and territory governments commencing in The NWQMS process involves community and government development and implementation of a management plan for each catchment, aquifer, estuary, coastal water or other waterbody. This includes use of high-status national guidelines with local implementation. Components of Queensland s Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water) are based on the NWQMS (2000). The EPP Water is achieved within a framework that includes: Identifying Environmental Values (EVs) for Queensland waters; and Deciding and stating water quality guidelines and Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) to enhance or protect the EVs. EVs and WQOs can be included in Schedule 1 of the EPP Water. Various NWQMS documents and processes are used to assist with the determination of EVs and WQOs with the most relevant being the Implementation Guidelines (1998) and the Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Water Quality (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000). Queensland has a set of water quality guidelines, which are used as default guidelines unless local water quality guidelines have been prepared for the subject area. Information about determining EVs and WQOs, and the relationship to water quality guidelines is included in Appendix D and section Determining WQIP Actions Determining the best course of action and measuring the effectiveness of the chosen actions are parts of an iterative planning, doing and learning continuum (see section 3.3). Determining appropriate management actions for urban areas is relatively simple as the aim is to reduce or negate the impacts of issues (see sections 2.12) associated with the conversion of natural, rural and peri-urban areas to urban land use. Management options, costs and benefits (see section 5.9) and principal management actions (see section 5.10) for urban water quality have been discussed in a general way. Determining the best course of action using a conventional cost benefit approach i.e. most output/impact for input resources used, requires some sound catchment water quality scenario modelling informed by good science around land use and management practice pollutant generation rates. The costs of implementing management practices can be determined from documented costs of similar projects, consultation with stormwater management industry knowledge holders and standard economic investigations e.g. obtaining preliminary quotes. That is only one part of the story as the quantification of both the obvious and less tangible benefits e.g. ecosystem services, is required to enable a meaningful comparison. More work is required to quantify all the benefits to provide the full picture (see section 5.9.2). In the absence of a tested method for prioritising urban water quality improvement actions the following low to high cost hierarchy is suggested based on the generic urban water quality improvement framework (see section 3.2 and 4.4): 1. Promote behavior change in government, industry and community to adopt best practice water quality improvement management practices; 2. Support local government capacity to; a. Incorporate ecological sustainability* principles in policy and corporate culture, b. Incorporate water quality improvement measures in local planning instruments, c. Assess development applications and set appropriate and consistent development approval conditions including, i. Requirements to incorporate water sensitive urban design principles in all development, ii. Requirements to prepare and implement stormwater management plans for development sites inclusive of best practice erosion prevention and sediment movement control measures. d. Ensure compliance with development approval conditions. 3. Support the development and construction industry and local government to; a. Incorporate water sensitive urban design principles in all development, b. Prepare and implement stormwater management plans for development sites,

133 c. Install and maintain best practice erosion prevention and sediment movement control measures. 4. Increase local government capacity to maintain urban stormwater systems and stormwater quality improvement measures; 5. Investigate stormwater quality improvement options in mature urban areas and prioritise regional solutions across urban and peri-urban land uses i.e. developing and mature urban areas; 6. Establish and retrofit stormwater quality improvement regional solutions; 7. Upgrade wastewater treatment plants and/or implement land based treated wastewater reuse. Note: *Good water quality is a component of ecological sustainability. 6.9 Non Structural Measures Many of the low cost management actions above are non-structural and/or focused on behaviour change. The Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Catchment Hydrology explored non-structural stormwater quality best management practices (Taylor and Wong 2002a) and found that there was very little reliable, quantitative information that could be used to guide urban stormwater managers. However, the studies concluded that the most valuable non-structural BMPs are planning instruments that ensure urban stormwater quality is satisfactorily addressed as part of local planning schemes in Australia (e.g. via zoning and land development approval processes). (Taylor and Wong 2002b, p.21) Determining the organisational capacity to deliver non-structural reform, such as WSUD through planning schemes, is one of the key enabling actions to support local government. The RUSMIG Collaboration to the rescue project provided some initial support in that respect for the larger urban GBR Councils and demonstrated the value of non-structural water quality management measures as a cost-effective pathway to deliver urban diffuse source water quality improvement across the Great Barrier Reef catchment Setting Targets Setting urban water quality, ecosystem health and management practice targets is discussed in section Measuring Effectiveness Short term measurement of WQIP effectiveness is most readily achieved by assessing behavior change i.e. adoption of promoted best practice over outdated and/or ineffective methods. Measuring outcomes can be based on individual action uptake or groupings of actions e.g. ABCD management practice classification system. Regardless of whether an ABCD classification system is used each WQIP program, project and action should incorporate an appropriate monitoring and evaluation process to measure behavior change in the form of management practice uptake ABCD management practice framework The ABCD management practice classification system (see section 4.4) may be useful initially to introduce water quality improvement concepts and options to land managers. Work to date on developing the urban ABCD is provided in section 4. Quantifying the benefits and costs of improving management practice grades is a work in progress. Even without hard figures we can measure the effectiveness of WQIP actions in the low cost urban management practice hierarchy (see section 6.8 above) by assessing management practice uptake. First we need to gather relevant information to estimate the current status of management practices for our base urban land uses (see section 3.2 and 4.4.1) i.e. developing urban, mature urban and point source. Improvement in management practice can be monitored over time with regard to movement from D to C, B or A, C to B or A and B to A classifications. Hopefully there will be no retrograde movement to lower grade measure. At the least the improvement in management practice can be compared to management practice targets and included in public reporting systems e.g. Reef report card. At best the management practice improvement can be related to physical water quality improvement through a Paddock to Reef monitoring and modelling program and used to refine and improve management practices to exceed water quality target and ecosystem health expectations

134 6.12 Monitoring and Modelling Catchment noise and lag times between management action implementation and discernible impacts limits the detection of water quality changes or trends at the catchment scale (Stow et al. 2001; Osidele et al., 2003 in Bainbridge et al 2008). For this reason the most effective form of monitoring to determine improvements in water quality at the end of catchment will necessarily be long-term and strategically focused Paddock to Reef monitoring Short-term improvements may be detected through a well-planned program based around isolated reaches i.e. urban paddock scale, and water bodies associated with smaller sub catchments that have relatively uniform land uses. Without this level of specificity there are too many variables and too much background interference to derive any meaningful cause and effect information from water quality monitoring (see section ). Improvement in water quality as a result of management action change is therefore only likely to be measured at the paddock scale in the short-term. The information gained at this scale can then be used as input to catchment models to determine downstream improvements and to justify broader introduction of measured effective management practices. Catchment scale monitoring at strategic nodes can also be used to verify modelled outputs and assist with recalibration of models (Bainbridge et al 2008) Connecting management practice to water quality Creek to Coral had been working with CSIRO on the Townsville WQIP to develop a water quality based Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) to explore the relationships between management practice, land use and water quality (pollutant loads) as a probability based decision support system. Information derived from event water quality monitoring and modelling studies feeds pollutant coefficients for the various land uses within a sub catchment into the BBN. The intention was to use the BBN to determine the most effective management interventions for each land use based on potential water quality improvement associated with various management practices and subsequently redirecting management interventions as part of the adaptive management approach to catchment based water quality improvement. A significant amount of testing and calibration of the BBN model is required to attain greater levels of certainty associated with modelled outputs. The ABCD management practice classification system could be aligned with the BBN as part of a consistent assessment, prioritisation and reporting framework by assigning pollutant generation rate ranges to the four management practice classifications for various land uses. This is applicable to urban and rural land uses Catchment modelling Catchment modelling to determine end of catchment loads necessarily incorporates all land use in a catchment or sub catchment with the main input data/information to determine current loads being: Spatial data i.e. a digital elevation model (DEM) for sub catchment delineation; Consistently categorised land use GIS data used to describe the Functional Units; Climate data; o daily rainfall data e.g. gridded SILO data (5km x 5km grid) from Bureau of Meteorology (BOM), o evaporation data e.g. potential evapotranspiration (PET) BOM data, Pollutant generation rates for each land use (Functional Unit) based on water quality data expressed as event mean concentrations (EMC) or dry weather concentration (DWC) (see Table 6-2); Hydrological data for model calibration including runoff generation rates. Table 6-2 Townsville Load Modelling Adopted EMC and DWC Values Functional Unit Climate Zone TSS TN TP DWC EMC DWC EMC DWC EMC Greenspace dry wet Grazing dry wet Agriculture dry

135 Urban Rural residential Industry Mining wet dry wet dry wet dry wet dry wet Event water quality monitoring data is required to define event mean concentration (EMC) values associated with a land use. Local event water quality monitoring data was used for the Townsville WQIP to determine EMC values. Preliminary EMC values typical of the Wet Tropics region for minimal use areas were estimated for wet catchments to compare with the dry catchment values calculated from the Townsville event monitoring. The EMC values from event monitoring for the Townsville WQIP area are displayed in Table 6-3. Table 6-3 Townsville EMC Values Indicator Developing Developed Peri urban Rural Minimal use TSS (mg/l) /4 PN N (µg/l) /45 DIN N (µg/l) /58 Total N (µg/l) /193 PP P (µg/l) /8 FRP P (µg/l) /3 Total P (µg/l) /8 Notes: Minimal use figures are for; dry catchments/wet catchments. Source is ACTFR event water quality monitoring data in the Townsville WQIP, p.69. Catchment modelling for urban areas requires the prediction of fine scale land use change over time based on population growth forecasts (see section 6.5). Following the collation of this information scenarios were examined for the Townsville WQIP area for both rural and urban land uses using the WaterCAST catchment flow and water quality model (Water and Contaminant Analysis and Simulation Tool). The two main additions/modifications to take urban areas into account were: The sub catchments comprising primarily urban land uses were subdivided into smaller areas based on local government supplied urban drainage maps to provide greater spatial detail in potential areas of major WSUD management intervention; Point source e.g. wastewater treatment plant, flow and water quality data was included to take point source discharge into account as part of the end of catchment load budget and to enable calculation of load increase and/or decreases over time from that source. Results of the modelling can be found in a report by BMT WBM (2010) along with results of initial receiving water quality modelling completed for the immediate receiving environments adjacent to the coast. (BMT WBM 2010, p.1-1) The initial output of the WaterCAST model was the 2005 (baseline) end of catchment pollutant loads, using updated land use mapping, calculated with and without wastewater treatment plant discharges. The 1850 (pre-settlement) and 2045 (land use change due to population growth) end of catchment loads were also calculated. The 1850 loads were based on pollutant run off coefficients from a forested catchment. The 2005 and 2045 outputs assumed business as usual, with no specific management interventions. The model was then rerun for 2045 with management intervention scenarios in place. The modelled urban scenarios were: Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) applied to all new urban (greenfield) development; WSUD applied to all urban areas (greenfield and retrofit into established urban)

136 The Townsville WQIP modelled urban scenarios were designed primarily to predict the likely water quality outcomes of anticipated population growth (2005 to 2045) and show the water quality impact with and without proposed urban water quality improvement measures. The rural scenario was based on potential improvements in water quality associated with the uptake of improved horticultural and grazing pasture management practices. Predicted changes to pollutant loads (sediment and nutrients) resulting from population growth in Townsville are explored in more detail in the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report (Gunn and Manning 2010) ewater Source model The Source modelling platform allows users to build on, rather than replace existing models. It has been developed to take a holistic approach to water management including human and ecological impacts. This includes integrating policy, addressing water savings and sharing for a whole river and connected groundwater systems including cities, agricultural and environmental demands. Releases of Source in March 2013 (v3.3.0) and October 2013 (v3.5.0) introduced several key features, including real-time river operations, water resource assessments and crop demand modelling MUSIC MUSIC modelling (Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation) is urban specific and was originally developed to assess the effect of water sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures to assist the development industry (see text box below and section ). Managing the impacts of urbanisation on receiving waters involves a complex process of investigation, evaluation and prioritisation of proposed strategies. Urban waterway managers have been hindered in this task, by inadequate information about the likely water quality emanating from catchments under various development scenarios. Similarly, managers have had limited ability to predict the performance of stormwater treatment measures, either singularly, or as part of an integrated stormwater management strategy. In an attempt to address these limitations, the CRC for Catchment Hydrology has developed a computer based decision support system called MUSIC (Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation). MUSIC provides a suite of tools that allow urban waterway managers to formulate and evaluate alternative waterway management strategies. (Fletcher et al. 2001) (Note: ewater replaced the CRC for Catchment Hydrology in 2005) MUSIC is widely used in the development industry to model pollutant load reductions associated with water sensitive urban design (WSUD) measures. The results are used to inform the type of WSUD measures included in developments and also to accompany development applications as evidence that the proposed development will comply with stormwater management design objectives. Local government staff may also use MUSIC, or MUSIC guidelines, to assess development applications to confirm the methodology and results Modelling for developing areas The following method has been provided by Water by Design for the southeast Queensland region. Urban WQIP (life of plan) modelling advice for developing areas The following information is informal advice only and explains the process used by SEQ to determine the area of exposed soil generating run-off in developing catchments over the life of the SEQ Regional Plan (26 year plan). It is advisable to use the following information with care and first investigate and determine whether it is suitable for your region. To determine area of exposed soil generating runoff in developing catchments: 1. Assumed length of time developing urban sites have soils exposed (little or no cover) is 2 years = A (yrs) 2. Time period between current land use and future plans e.g. SEQ current land use was for 2005, the Regional Plan outlined future land use for 2031 so 26 years = B (yrs)

137 3. Area (ha) of future urban (represented by changes increases in urban land use between the current land use map and future plans) = C (ha) 4. Pollutant export rate for developing areas with exposed soil (with no erosion sediment controls) SEQ assumed 31.2 t/ha/yr = D (t/ha/yr) Calculated exposed soil TSS load over the life of the plan in t/ha/yr = ((A/B) x C) x D Note: The 31.2 t/ha/yr figure is applicable to SEQ only with minimal or no erosion sediment controls used while an area is under development. Other regions should use locally relevant sediment export rate data in their models, where this is available. The 31.2 t/ha/yr value is likely to be representative of sediment export in sub-tropical, summer dominated rainfall zones, with moderately erodible soils and is based on a TSS EMC of 5341 mg/l. Current data indicates rates of 100 t/ha/yr for tropical regions however this is based on a very limited dataset Connecting management practice to ecosystem health Making the connection between ecosystem health and management practices requires the collection of baseline data, prior to the commencement of new practices; with follow up monitoring after management interventions have been put in place. Available water quality monitoring data needs to be collated and analysed at the front end of the monitoring program and later combined with condition assessment data from future monitoring. Ecosystem health relates to all receiving waters and requires different assessment methods and models for freshwaters, estuaries and marine systems. Making direct connections between marine ecosystem health and catchment land use and management practices is not easy and requires a well-planned and appropriately resourced monitoring program combining and coordinating local and regional monitoring efforts. Determining sustainable load levels requires the linking of pollutant runoff from catchments with the condition of receiving waters, generally through a receiving waters model. The ACTFR suggested coupled monitoring and modelling marine ecosystem health framework steps, as adapted from the Townsville WQIP, are listed below. Pre-management change i.e. business as usual Step 1 Monitor land uses to identify current practice EMCs for; established urban, developing urban, rural residential, industrial, light industrial/commercial, grazing and conservation Step 2 Monitor baseline socio-economic status through indicators i.e. management practices Step 3 Monitor end of catchment loads i.e. pre-management change Step 4 Run current scenario model to determine end of catchment loads Step 5 Determine management practice interventions and set targets Implement management change Step 1 Continue to monitor socio-economic status through indicators and link to management practice uptake Step 2 Monitor land uses to identify improved practice EMCs Step 3 Develop and run management scenario model to determine water quality improvement for other sites Step 4 Run management change model to determine end of catchment loads Step 5 Monitor end of catchment loads post management change Step 6 Compare end of catchment load to targets Step 7 Monitor marine water quality and ecosystem health Step 8 Model end of catchment loads to marine targets and ecosystem response model Step 9 Evaluation and assessment Step 10 Modify management interventions and targets Implement management change Note: Source is the Townsville WQIP Fig 7.2, p.105 as adapted from Bainbridge et al.(2009). The above was an initial draft and should be carefully reviewed to determine its usefulness and adapted as necessary

138 6.13 Resources Primary documents supporting the preparation of the Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) are also relevant resources when preparing urban components of WQIPs. They are:

139 The Townsville WQIP and supporting documents (below) can be found at: /wqip/plandocs_final.html Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan: Improving Water Quality from Creek to Coral, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J., Manning, C. and McHarg. A. 2009, Environmental Values, Water Quality Objectives and Targets for the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2009, Basins, Catchments and Receiving Waters of the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Area, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Barker, G. 2009, Water Quality Pollutant Types and Sources Report: Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Connell Wagner 2008, Water Quality Condition of the Black and Ross River Basins, Townsville City Council, Townsville. (Notes: Available water quality data was collated for the study area. The water quality data was then analysed to provide an indication of the condition of the waterways of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area) Connell Wagner 2009, Development of a Report Card Format for the Waterways of the Black/Ross Basins, Townsville City Council, Townsville. C and R Consulting 2007, Assessment of Selected Riparian Systems of the Ross and Black River Basins Townsville / Thuringowa Region, Townsville City Council Creek to Coral, Townsville. C and R Consulting 2008, Assessment of Selected Riparian Systems of the Ross and Black River Basins and Selected Other Drainage Within the Townsville / Thuringowa Region (Stage 2), Townsville City Council Creek to Coral, Townsville. (Notes: C and R Consulting prepared the riparian condition report, in two stages to provide an overview of the current state of the vegetation in the riparian zones of the main waterways in the Black and Ross River Basins) Aurecon 2009, Legislation, Institutional Arrangements and Planning Instruments Review for Water Quality Improvement, Townsville City Council, Townsville. (Note: Provides some insights with regard to planning schemes however is now outdated with regard to some of the legislation.) Cardiff, J. 2009, Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Socio-Demographic Profile, Townsville City Council, Townsville. Liessmann, L., Lewis, S., Bainbridge, Z., Butler, B., Brodie, J., Faithful, J. and Maughan, M Event-based water quality monitoring of the Ross and Black River Basins during the 2006/07 wet season Volume 1 Main Report, ACTFR Report No. 07/09, Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research (ACTFR), Townsville. Liessmann, L., Lewis, S., Bainbridge, Z., Butler, B., Brodie, J., Faithful, J. and Maughan, M Event-based water quality monitoring of the Ross and Black River Basins during the 2006/07 wet season Volume 2 Appendices, ACTFR Report No. 07/09, ACTFR, Townsville. Lewis, S., Bainbridge, Z., Brodie, J., Butler, B., and Maughan, M. 2008, Water Quality Monitoring of the Black Ross Basins: 2007/08 Wet Season, Report No. 08/04, ACTFR, Townsville

140 Lynam, T., Stone-Jocovich, S., Blanco-Martin, B., Gunn, J., and Manning, C. 2008, (Draft) Bayesian belief network modelling and social learning for water quality management in the Bohle catchment, Townsville, Queensland, CSIRO, Townsville. Scaf, J., Corbett, L. and Grier, N. 2011, Storm Water Quality Improvement Devices in Townsville, Townsville City Council Creek to Coral, Townsville. SEA , Climate change in Townsville and potential impacts on water quality, Townsville City Council Creek to Coral, Townsville. Water by Design is a capacity building program that supports the uptake of Water Sensitive Urban Design in South East Queensland. It was established by Healthy Waterways in 2005, as an integral component of the SEQ Healthy Waterways Strategy. This website brings together knowledge, experiences and expertise in water sensitive urban design (WSUD) and sustainable urban water management (SUWM) to assist the land development industry and government make the transition towards smarter water management. Go to: Water by Design offers a range of best practice guidelines to support sustainable urban water management. The guidance provided covers a range of topics including water sensitive urban design, total water cycle management, erosion and sediment control and managing waterbodies. A Business Case for Best Practice Stormwater Management The business case covers the social, environmental and financial costs and benefits of meeting water conservation and stormwater design objectives for the management of frequent flows, waterways stability, stormwater quality. Data will be drawn from literature and case study assessments of typical development types in Queensland, including greenfield (e.g. large residential subdivisions) and infill development (e.g. inner city residential townhouses). Each case study will be analysed over three climatic regions South East Queensland (e.g. Brisbane), Northern Queensland (e.g. Townsville / Cairns) and central Queensland (e.g. Mackay). SEQ Technical Design Guidelines for Water Sensitive Urban Successful integration of water management with the urban form requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach early in the design process. The Concept Design Guidelines for Water Sensitive Urban Design provides a framework to guide design teams through this process whilst providing information and ideas to stimulate good design practice. The guidelines are relevant to all scales of urban planning and design from whole-of-city planning to new master-planned communities and urban infill. Construction and Establishment Guidelines: Swales, Bioretention Systems and Wetlands Version 1.1 This publication was developed in collaboration with leading practitioners, local government compliance officers and civil and landscape contractors. The guideline is supported by a training course offered by Water by Design. While the guideline has been produced for South East Queensland, it has relevance across much of Australia

141 MUSIC Modelling Guidelines The Model for Urban Stormwater Improvement Conceptualisation (MUSIC) is a software tool that simulates the behaviour of stormwater in catchments. MUSIC is the preferred tool for demonstrating the performance of stormwater quality treatment systems within the urban areas. The purpose of the MUSIC Modelling Guidelines is to ensure a consistent and uniform approach to stormwater quality modelling and assessment. This guideline focuses on providing preferred MUSIC parameters to demonstrate compliance with stormwater quality management objectives. Total Water Cycle Management Planning Guideline Local governments were required by the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy (2009) to develop a Total Water Cycle Management (TWCM) Plan. The policy states that when local governments plan and implement their TWCM Plans, they must have regard to guidelines published by the department about total water cycle management. This document is the guideline the policy refers to it outlines a process to develop and implement a TWCM Plan. Amendments to the EPP (Water) 2009 precluded the need to prepare a TWCM Plan as the State Planning Policy 4/10 replaced urban stormwater management requirements. Waterbody Management Guideline To assist local governments to manage waterbodies, Redland City Council (RCC) commissioned Water by Design to produce a regionally beneficial guideline on this topic. This guideline speaks to all departments and disciplines within local government involved in managing waterbodies. The Waterbody Management Guideline provides local government development assessment officers, maintenance and operations teams, extension officers and asset accountants with practical, accessible and relevant guidance on how best to manage and enhance waterbodies. Also available: Concept Design Guidelines for Water Sensitive Urban Design Successful integration of water management with the urban form requires a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach early in the design process. The Concept Design Guidelines for Water Sensitive Urban Design provides a framework to guide design teams through this process whilst providing information and ideas to stimulate good design practice. The guidelines are relevant to all scales of urban planning and design from whole-of-city planning to new master-planned communities and urban infill. ( Transferring Ownership of Vegetated Stormwater Assets ( This document provides guidance on how to transfer vegetated stormwater assets from the constructing party, typically the developer, to the long-term owners and managers of the assets, typically the local authority or a private entity (such as a body corporate). This is so that owners inherit assets that are functioning properly and that are meeting their design intent. It provides information, processes, and checklists to assist with each stage of the handover process. It covers swales, bioretention systems, constructed wetlands, and sediment basins. Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Assets ( Rectifying Vegetated Stormwater Assets provides guidance on how to rectify under-performing or failing vegetated stormwater assets. It sets out a process for determining whether to rectify an asset, provides guidance on how to determine the cause of problems, and lists possible solutions. Maintaining Vegetated Stormwater Assets ( This document helps asset managers and maintenance staff by providing practical and standardised advice for maintaining swales, bioretention systems, constructed wetlands, and sediment basins. It provides information on planning and undertaking maintenance, as well as checklists for recording the results of inspections and maintenance activities undertaken. Those who design and approve

142 vegetated stormwater assets can also use this document as a reference to help deliver more maintenance friendly assets. Deemed to Comply Solutions ( The Deemed to Comply Solutions Stormwater Quality outline a series of off the shelf stormwater solutions for meeting stormwater quality design objectives for small scale development. The solutions are intended to reduce the reporting and assessment requirements for developments particularly stormwater management plan reporting requirements. Stormwater Harvesting Guidelines ( The purpose of these Stormwater Harvesting Guidelines is to assist engineers and other professionals to plan, design and implement stormwater harvesting schemes. The guidelines focus on developing localised stormwater harvesting in urban areas harvesting stormwater from local catchments and reusing it within the local community. Urban Lakes Discussion Paper ( South-East Queensland (SEQ) now has a large number of artificial waterbodies or urban lakes which were designed and built to support new urban development. A growing body of knowledge amongst local government authorities (LGAs) in SEQ indicates that urban lakes experience water quality problems often leading to excessive algal growth or blooms, particularly of cyanobacteria. This is often a major management issue for constructed urban lakes and maintenance and rectification places a significant burden on LGAs in SEQ. This document provides a review of the potential effectiveness of manipulating lake retention times and other measures to reduce the risk of cyanobacterial growth in freshwater urban lakes. Draft Development Conditions: Bioretention ( Water by Design has prepared draft development conditions for you to consider when assessing development applications. As most development applications need to be considered in the context of the proposed development, you should use your discretion in applying them. These draft development conditions are for bioretention systems given the large number of systems being designed and constructed. Framework for the Integration of Flooding and Stormwater Management into Open Space ( waterbydesign.com.au/openspace/) The Framework for the Integration of Flooding and Stormwater Management into Open Space details best practice approaches for integrating water sensitive urban design (WSUD) elements into multiple use open space. The intent of the framework is to enhance public open spaces and provide incentives for higher standards of WSUD. Certification Discussion Paper ( This discussion paper explores the issue of verification and certification for the design and delivery of water sensitive urban design (WSUD). Regulatory and policy requirements for compliance with water quality and stormwater management objectives for urban developments are strengthening. Implementing WSUD within urban developments is an effective way to ensure water quality and stormwater management objectives are met. However, WSUD practitioners are not achieving a consistent quality level across projects, and it has been suggested that a certification scheme may be needed. Bioretention Technical Design Guidelines ( The Bioretention Technical Design Guidelines (Version 1, October 2012) incorporates the most recent bioretention knowledge from research and on ground practice into a single, easy to use resource. It supersedes all bioretention references in the 2006 Water Sensitive Urban Design Technical Design Guidelines for South East Queensland. Factsheets include: An Introduction to Water Sensitive Urban Design in SEQ Water Sensitive Urban Design in Industrial Areas Raingardens Erosion and Sediment Control Kit Fact Sheet 1 Erosion and Sediment Control Daily Site Check List

143 Fact Sheet 2 Erosion and Sediment Control on Residential Building Sites Fact Sheet 3 Erosion Control Fact Sheet 4 Sediment Control Fact Sheet 5 Drainage Control Fact Sheet 6 Building Operations Fact Sheet 7 Storage of Material on a Hard Surface Fact Sheet 8 Grouped Building Lots Fact Sheet 9 Erosion and Sediment Control Management Plans At: External material includes: Guidelines for Soil Filter Media in Bioretention Systems (Version 3.01) Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration, June The Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration (FAWB) has released a new version of the Guidelines for Soil Filter Media in Bioretention Systems. This revision provides a simpler and more robust guideline for both soil-based and engineered filter media. A copy of the guideline is now accessible on the Monash University s website Advancing the Design of Stormwater Biofiltration Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration, June 2008 This document provides a summary of FAWB s findings to date on biofiltration technology. It includes a brief outline of the typical design of biofilters, the program research methodology and a summary of key findings. Transition to WSUD: The Story of Melbourne, Australia This report, released by the Facility for Advancing Water Biofiltration (FAWB) in association with the National Urban Water Governance Program, presents the findings of social research focused on identifying the key institutional change ingredients that will lead to the mainstreaming of the WSUD approach. That is, a transition from traditional to sustainable urban water management. Lifecycle Costs of Water Sensitive Urban Design Treatment Systems (Draft Nov 2007) This draft report was prepared for Brisbane City Council, and presents lifecycle costs on a range of stormwater quality management systems. It is important to read Chapter 4: Summary of Data and Recommendations for Use prior to using the information for planning purposes. Note that further costing data will be available through the Business Case for WSUD being developed by Water by Design (in press). Standard Drawings for Water Sensitive Urban Design Water by Designin association with the Queensland Division of the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEAQ) has published a set of standard drawings for water sensitive urban design infrastructure. The Standard Drawings are intended to inform detailed design, standardise common design requirements (wherever possible) and reduce design and assessment costs and timeframes. Weblinks

144 Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) Water by Design website - EDAW 2008, Water Sensitive Urban Design Technical Design Guidelines for Stormwater Management for the Coastal Dry Tropics (Townsville), Townsville City Council, Townsville. EDAW 2009, Water Sensitive Urban Design for the Coastal Dry Tropics (Townsville): Design Objectives for Stormwater Management, Townsville City Council, Townsville. Brisbane City Council - Gold Coast City Council Modelling Various publications and guidance material is available at ewater CRC including archive material from the CRC for Catchment Hydrology. There is a lot of free stuff while some stuff e.g. MUSIC, will cost. Some useful ewater stuff includes: The Catchment Water Yield Estimation Tool (CWYET) aims to provide a common modelling framework for estimating catchment water yield and daily runoff characteristics across Australia. It will also predict how catchment water yield is affected by infl uences such as climate variation and land use change, which includes afforestation and the building of farm dams. ewater Source (Integrated Modelling System) is flexible and extensible to meet future needs including modelling urban water supply. Source can be used for urban water supply management at the town, city, and regional scale. It can assess a full range of supply and reuse options including desalination. This allows users to incorporate towns and cities into water management models for river systems. Urban Developer is an integrated urban water management (IUWM) modelling tool designed to meet the needs of water professionals facing the challenges of integrated water cycle service planning, management and assessment activities. Urban Developer v1 provides the ability to simulate all three urban water cycle service networks (water supply, stormwater, wastewater), at scales ranging from the sub allotment through to large clusters, or small subdivisions. Urban Developer adopts a water balance methodology for simulating the movement of water around the urban water cycle. Water balance modelling is based on the application of the principle of continuity (conservation of mass) to the movement of water through each element of a system. Put simply the water balance methodology implies that matter (water in this case) can neither be created nor destroyed and all inflows, outflows and changes in storage must be accounted for. The hydrological and hydraulic routing models offered in Urban Developer draw on many industry accepted methodologies; however, in some cases it has been necessary to create new methodologies and algorithms for the simulation of modelled processes. (Hardy and McArthur 2011) BMT WBM 2010, Black and Ross River Water Quality Improvement Plan Catchment and Water Quality Modelling, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville

145 Bibliography and References Alberti, M. 2008, Advances in Urban Ecology: Integrating Humans and Ecological Processes in Urban Ecosystems, Springer-Verlag. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) 1992, Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters, ANZECC, Canberra. ANZECC and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand (ARMCANZ) 1994a, National Water Quality Management Strategy Water Quality Management An Outline of the Policies (Paper 1), ARMCANZ and ANZECC. ANZECC and ARMCANZ 1994b, National Water Quality Management Strategy: Policies and Principles, a Reference Document (Paper 2), ANZECC and ARMCANZ, Canberra. ANZECC and ARMCANZ 1996, National Principles for the Provision of Water for Ecosystems, ANZECC and ARMCANZ, Canberra. ANZECC and ARMCANZ 1998, National Water Quality Management Strategy Implementation Guidelines (NWQMS Paper 3). ANZECC and ARMCANZ, Canberra. ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, (National Water Quality Management Strategy) Australian and New Zealand Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters Quality, Draft Guidelines Volume 1. Prepared under the auspices of the Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand, Canberra. ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, Australian Water Quality Guidelines for Fresh and Marine Waters (NWQMS Paper 4), ANZECC and ARMCANZ, Canberra. ANZECC and ARMCANZ 2000, Australian Guidelines for Urban Stormwater Management, National Water Quality Management Strategy, Canberra. Aurecon 2009, Legislation, Institutional Arrangements and Planning Instruments Review for Water Quality Improvement, Townsville City Council, Townsville. Australian Institute of Engineers (Pilgrim and Canterford) 1987, Australian Rainfall and Runoff; a guide to flood estimation, Canberra, Institute of Engineers, Australia. Bailey, B 2009, Unpublished internal report - Townsville population model. Bainbridge, Z., Brodie, J., Waterhouse, J., Manning, C. and Lewis, S. 2008, Integrated Monitoring and Modelling Strategy for the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan, ACTFR Report No. 08/17, Creek to Coral/Townsville City Council, Townsville. Bainbridge, Z.T., Brodie, J., Lewis, S., Waterhouse, J. and Wilkinson, S.N Utilising catchment modelling as a tool for monitoring Reef Rescue outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef catchment area. Submitted for MODSIM Congress, July Black, D., Wallbrink, P., Jordan, P., Carroll, C. and Blackmore, J. 2011, Guidelines for water management modelling: Towards best practice model application, ewater Cooperative Research Centre. BMT WBM 2009, Draft Black and Ross River Water Quality Improvement Plan Catchment and Water Quality Modelling, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. BMT WBM 2010, Black and Ross River Water Quality Improvement Plan Catchment and Water Quality Modelling, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Brodie, J., Furnas, M., Ghonim, S., Haynes, D., Mitchell, A., Morris, S., Waterhouse, J., Yorkston, H. & Audas, D. 2001, Great Barrier Reef catchment water quality action plan: A report to Ministerial Council on targets for pollutant loads, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville

146 Brodie, J., Binney, J., Fabricius, K., Gordon, I., Hoegh Guldberg, O., Hunter, H., O Reagain, P., Pearson, R., Quirk, M., Thorburn, P., Waterhouse, J., Webster, I. and Wilkinson, S. 2008, Synthesis of evidence to support the Scientific Consensus Statement on Water Quality in the Great Barrier Reef, The State of Queensland (Department of Premier and Cabinet), Brisbane. Brodie, J., McKergow, L.A., Prosser, I.P., Furnas, M., Hughes, A., and Hunter, H. 2003, Sources of Sediment and Nutrient Exports to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, ACTFR Report No. 03/11, ACTFR Townsville. Brodie et al (from draft Terrain WQIP) ecologically relevant targets Brodie et al (from draft Terrain WQIP) ecologically relevant targets Brown, V. 2008, Leonardo s Vision: A guide to collective thinking and action, Sense Publishers, Rotterdam. C and R Consulting 2007, Assessment of Selected Riparian Systems of the Ross and Black River Basins Townsville / Thuringowa Region, Townsville City Council/Creek to Coral, Townsville. C and R Consulting 2008, Assessment of Selected Riparian Systems of the Ross and Black River Basins and Selected Other Drainage within the Townsville / Thuringowa Region Stage 2, Townsville City Council/Creek to Coral, Townsville. Cardiff, J. 2009, Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Socio-Demographic Profile, Townsville City Council, Townsville. Chiew, F., Mudgway, L., Duncan, H., and McMahon, T. 1997, Urban Stormwater Pollution Industry Report: 97/5, Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology. Connell Wagner 2008, Water Quality Condition of the Black and Ross River Basins, Townsville City Council, Townsville. Connell Wagner 2009, Development of a Report Card Format for the Waterways of the Black/Ross Basins, Townsville City Council, Townsville. Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology 1997, Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines for Urban Stormwater - Background Paper, Prepared for Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne Water Corporation and Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria. CSIRO 1999 (2006 electronic version), Urban Stormwater: Best Practice Environmental Management Guidelines, Prepared for the Stormwater Committee with assistance from Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne Water Corporation, Department of Natural Resources and Environment and Municipal Association of Victoria. De ath, G. and Fabricius, K. E. 2008, Water Quality of the Great Barrier Reef: Distributions, Effects on Reef Biota and Trigger Values for Conservation of Ecosystem Health, Final Report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. Department of Science, Information Technology, Innovation and the Arts 2014, WaTERS: Water Tracking & Electronic Reporting System, State of Queensland, DSITIA. Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning 2014, State Planning Policy July 2014, The State of Queensland, Brisbane. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection 2013, Deriving local water quality guidelines - Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, State of Queensland. Department of Environment and Heritage Protection 2009, Queensland Water Quality Guidelines, Version 3, State of Queensland. (ISBN ) Duncan, H. 1995, A Review of Urban Stormwater Quality Processes: Report 95/9, Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology

147 Duncan, H. 1999, Urban Stormwater Quality: A Statistical Overview; Report 99/3, Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology Earth Environmental 2006, Stormwater Quality Management Framework for Townsville, Citiworks Townsville City Council, Townsville. Eberhard, R., Waterhouse, J., Robinson, C., Taylor, B., Hart, B., Parslow, J. and Grayson, R. 2008, Adaptive Management Strategies for Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Improvement Plans: Draft Final Report, Reef Water Quality Partnership, Brisbane. EDAW 2008, Water Sensitive Urban Design Technical Design Guidelines for Stormwater Management for the Coastal Dry Tropics (Townsville), Townsville City Council, Townsville. EDAW 2009, Water Sensitive Urban Design for the Coastal Dry Tropics (Townsville): Design Objectives for Stormwater Management, Townsville City Council, Townsville. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 2001, Model urban stormwater quality management plans and guideline, EPA, Queensland. Environmental Protection Agency 2005, Establishing draft environmental values and water quality objectives: Guideline v1.1, EPA. Environmental Protection Agency 2006, Queensland Water Quality Guidelines 2006, Queensland Government, Brisbane. Fletcher, T.D., Wong, T.H.F., Duncan, H.P., Coleman, J.R. and Jenkins, G.A. 2001, Managing Impacts of Urbanisation on Receiving Waters: A Decision-making Framework, in Proceedings of the 3rd Australian Stream Management Conference, Brisbane, August, 2001, pp Furnas, M. 2003, Catchments and Corals: Terrestrial Runoff to the Great Barrier Reef, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2008, Draft Marine Water Quality Guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2009, Water Quality Guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2010, Water quality guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Revised edition 2010, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. (ISBN ) Greiner, R., Herr, A., Brodie, J., Haynes, D., Audas, D., and Roth, C. 2003, Profiling and assessment of basins with respect to the sediment, nutrient and other diffuse-source loads they export to the Great Barrier Reef WHA, CSIRO, Townsville. Gunn 2014, (Draft) Maintaining Vegetated Stormwater Management Assets, Creek to Coral/Townsville City Council, Townsville. Gunn, J. 2006, (Draft) Framework for Townsville Stormwater Quality Management, Citiworks-Townsville City Council, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Barker, G. 2009, Water Quality Pollutant Types and Sources Report: Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2009, Basins, Catchments and Receiving Waters of the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Area, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J., Manning, C. and McHarg, A. 2009, Environmental Values, Water Quality Objectives and Targets for the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010a, Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville

148 Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010b, Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan: Improving Water Quality from Creek to Coral, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Gunn, J. 2010, (Draft) Social Approaches to Water Quality Improvement in the Black Ross WQIP Area, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. Hardy, M. J. and McArthur, J. C. 2011, Urban Developer Technical Overview, ewater Cooperative Research Centre, Canberra. Honchin, C., Gray, L., Brodie, J., Haynes, D., and Moss, A. March 2007, Interim Marine Water Quality Guidelines for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville. Johnson, J.E., and Marshall, P.A. (editors) 2007, Climate Change and the Great Barrier Reef, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Greenhouse Office, Australia Liessmann, L., Lewis, S., Bainbridge, Z., Butler, B., Brodie, J., Faithful, J. and Maughan, M Event-based water quality monitoring of the Ross and Black River Basins during the 2006/07 wet season Volume 1 Main Report, ACTFR Report No. 07/09, Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research (ACTFR), Townsville. Liessmann, L., Lewis, S., Bainbridge, Z., Butler, B., Brodie, J., Faithful, J. and Maughan, M Event-based water quality monitoring of the Ross and Black River Basins during the 2006/07 wet season Volume 2 Appendices, ACTFR Report No. 07/09, ACTFR, Townsville. Lewis, S., Brodie, J., Ledee, E., and Alewijnse, M. 2006, The Spatial Extent of Delivery of Terrestrial Materials from the Burdekin Region in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon, ACTFR Report No. 06/02, ACTFR, Townsville Lewis, S., Bainbridge, Z., Brodie, J., Butler, B., and Maughan, M. 2008, Water Quality Monitoring of the Black Ross Basins: 2007/08 Wet Season, Report No. 08/04, ACTFR, Townsville. Manning, C (unpublished), (Draft) Monitoring and modelling to evaluate the efficacy of structural and non-structural best practice stormwater management measures in the developing urban areas of Townsville. Marsden Jacob Associates 2009, Economic and Social Aspects of the Townsville Water Quality Improvement Plan, Department of Environment and Resource Management. Marsden Jacob Associates 2010, The economic and social impacts of protecting environmental values in Great Barrier Reef catchment waterways and the reef lagoon, Department of Environment and Resource Management. Maughan, M., Brodie, J. and Waterhouse, J. 2008, Reef Exposure model for the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon, DRAFT ACTFR Report No. 07/19, ACTRF, Townsville. Moss, Rayment, Reilly and Best 1992, A Preliminary Assessment of Sediment and Nutrient Exports from Queensland Coastal Catchments, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Natural Resource Management Ministerial Council (NRMMC) 2004, National Water Quality Management Strategy Australian Drinking Water Guidelines 6 (Endorsed by NHMRC April 2003), NHMRC and the NRMMC. Prange, J., Haynes, D., Schaffelke, B., and Waterhouse, J. 2007, Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan (Reef Plan) - Annual Marine Monitoring Report: Reporting on data available from December 2004 to April 2006, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville. Queensland Institute of Engineers (Witheridge, G. & Walker, R.) 1996, Soil Erosion & Sediment Control, Engineering Guidelines for Queensland Construction Sites, Institute of Engineers, Qld Division, Brisbane. Queensland Government 2013, Queensland Integrated Waterways Monitoring Framework

149 Queensland Government 2010, EPP Water Monitoring and Sampling Manual 2009, version 2, (July 2013 format edits). Reef Water Quality Partnership 2007, Water quality monitoring in Great Barrier Reef catchments, State of Queensland (Department of Natural Resources and Water), Brisbane. Reef Water Quality Protection Plan Secretariat 2013, 2013 Scientific Consensus Statement: Land use impacts on Great Barrier Reef water quality and ecosystem condition, The State of Queensland. Rogers, J.D. 1997, Flood Damage: Evolving laws and policies for an ever-present risk, (presented at the San Francisco Insurance Claims Forum in San Francisco, April 16, 1997), Missouri University of Science and Technology. Scaf, J., Corbett, L. and Grier, N. 2010, Storm Water Quality Improvement Devices in Townsville, Townsville City Council Creek to Coral, Townsville. SEA , Climate change in Townsville and potential impacts on water quality, Townsville City Council Creek to Coral, Townsville. Schaffelke, B., Thompson, A., Carleton, J., Cripps, E., Davidson, J., Doyle, J., Furnas, M., Gunn, K., Neale, S., Skuza, M., Uthicke, S., Wright, M. and Zagorskis I. 2008, Water Quality and Ecosystem Monitoring Programme Reef Water Quality Protection Plan: Final Report 2007/08, Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville. State of Queensland and Commonwealth of Australia 2003, Reef Water Quality Protection Plan; for catchments adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, Queensland Department of Premier and Cabinet, Brisbane. State of Queensland, December 2013, State Planning Policy Guideline: State interest water quality, Department of State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Brisbane. Taylor, A.C. and Wong, T.H.F. 2002a, Non-structural stormwater quality best management practices: an overview of their use, value, cost and evaluation, Report 02/11, Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology, Melbourne. Taylor, A. and Wong, T. 2002b, Non-structural Stormwater Quality Best Management Practices A Literature Review of their Value and Life-cycle Costs, Report 02/13, Cooperative Research Centre for Catchment Hydrology. Waterhouse 2014 (from draft Terrain WQIP)

150 Appendix A Current Reef WQIP Urban Components

151 Appendix A Urban Elements of Reef WQIPs WQIP Sections and/or Chapters Black Ross Townsville Douglas Barron/ Trinity* Tully Murray Burdekin 1 Introduction Chapter 1. Introduction About this document The Barron-Trinty Inlet catchment EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 Characteristics Chapter 2 Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives 3 Know the issues, pressures and threats 4 Catchment Condition and Environmental Values 5 Water Quality Objectives and Targets 6 Water Quality Improvement Management Actions 7 Progress Reporting and Adaptation 8 Bibliography and Abbreviations Chapter 3 River Flow Objectives Chapter 4. Management Actions Chapter 5: Monitoring and Research Chapter 6: Adaptive Implementation Chapter 7: WQIP Reporting and Review Appendix 1 Implementation actions Note: * not divided into sections so relevant headings were selected Stage 1: Existing information Stage 2: Regional EVs Stage 3: HEV waterways Stage 4: Establishing WQOs Stage 5: Concentrations, loads and targets Where are these pollutants coming from? Stage 6: Management actions How will the WQIP be implemented? Monitoring and Modelling Monitoring, evaluation and reporting 1 BACKGROUND TO THE TULLY WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES 3 SUSTAINABLE LOAD TARGETS AND CURRENT STATUS OF POLLUTANT LOADS 4 ASSESSMENT OF MANAGEMENT SCENARIOS TO REDUCE LOADS 5 MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGETS TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINABLE LOAD TARGETS 6 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING AND EVALUATION References Uncertainty APPENDIX 5. Measures and actions for pollutant sources Barron WQIP resources 7 REFERENCES Bibliography 1. Introduction: the why, what, who and where to from here 2. The Burdekin WQIP Region: the physical, biological and socio-economic characteristics of our region 3. Agricultural pressures on water quality: a story of two systems 4. Best Management Practice Guidelines for grazing and sugar lands: development and recommendations 5. Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives: what are they and how are they used 6. Program Logic and Target- Setting for Water Quality Improvement: how actions, outcomes and targets were developed 7. Current Resource Condition: where we are now 8. Priority actions, outcomes and targets: where we want to go to and how we re going to get there - 1 -

152 WQIP Sections and/or Chapters Mackay Whitsunday Fitzroy Sections Baffle Burnett Sections Burrum Sections Mary Catchment Reports INTRODUCTION Executive Summary PREPARATION STATEMENT PREPARATION STATEMENT 1 Introduction 2 Defining the region 3 Pollutant sources 4 Community and science consultation 5 Environmental Values 6 Water quality objectives and targets 7 Load reductions to meet WQOs and targets 8 Management interventions to improve water quality 9 Ecosystem health objectives and targets 10 Management interventions to improve ecosystem health 11 Future monitoring and modelling 12 Climate change 13 Legislation and planning 14 Implementation 15 Statement of reasonable assurance ASSET, PRESSURE AND STATE LAND - WATER - GREAT BARRIER REEF RESPONSE POLICY PLANNING AND INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 1 Background 1: BACKGROUND TO THE BURRUM CATCHMENT WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PLAN 2 Catchments 2: THE BURRUM RIVER CATCHMENT - PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS, ACTIVITIES, GEOGRAPHY, ECONOMY, PEOPLE, 3 Water Quality and Management Issues 4 Environmental Values and Water Quality Objectives GOVERNANCE 3: CURRENT WATER QUALITY 4: CURRENT POLLUTION SOURCE / MANAGEMENT ISSUES 5 Water Quality Targets 5: ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES 1: Background to the Mary Water Quality Improvement Plan 2: Landscape Drivers and Pressures on the Mary River Catchment 3: WATER QUALITY IN THE MARY RIVER AND PROJECTIONS TO : ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES AND WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES OF THE MARY RIVER AND MARINE RECEIVING WATERS 5: COORDINATED MANAGEMENT ACTIONS TO ACHIEVE TARGETS RETURN ON INVESTMENT 6 Implementing the Plan 6: ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS 6: REASONABLE ASSURANCE STATEMENT 7 Monitoring and Evaluating the Plan 7: RESOURCE CONDITION AND MANAGEMENT ACTION TARGET SETTING 16 Conclusions 8 References 8: MONITORING, RESEARCH, 17 Acknowledgments 18 References Appendix 2. Frameworks for Management Practices EVALUATION AND REVIEW REFERENCES REFERENCES - 2 -

153 Appendix B Townsville (Urban) WQIP Framework

154 Appendix B Townsville WQIP History and Extracts De-integration The Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP was the first urban WQIP prepared for the GBR catchment. Initially Creek to Coral collaborated with Burdekin Dry Tropics (now NQ Dry Tropics) to submit a combined WQIP proposal to the Australian Government (Canberra) in Canberra rejected the initial proposal and requested that NQ Dry Tropics resubmit the proposal without the urban components i.e. agricultural land uses only, for the Burdekin and Haughton water resource basins. Canberra later approached Creek to Coral to submit a proposal for the Townsville coastal catchments i.e. Black and Ross water resource basins from Crystal Creek to Cape Cleveland. Townsville City Council through its Creek to Coral program managed the preparation of a Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) for the coastal catchments between Crystal Creek and Cape Cleveland and Magnetic Island. The Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP had an urban focus in comparison to the other WQIPs prepared for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment. What is in the Townsville WQIP While the Townsville WQIP is urban focused it is set out in a similar manner to other Reef WQIPs adopting and adapting the Pressure-State-Response model and catchment management planning methodology to arrive at a WQIP that covers all land uses with focus on management actions to address urban land use diffuse source pollutants. The table of contents from the Townsville WQIP (Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan: Improving Water Quality from Creek to Coral, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville.) is recreated below. 1. Introduction Why We Need to Improve Water Quality GBR Water Quality Protection Initiatives Water Quality Improvement Plan Development 4 2. Characteristics of the Black Ross WQIP Area Background Land Use Recent Population Growth Know the Issues, Pressures and Threats Some Background and Assumptions Issues and Development Stage Population Growth Water Quality Pollutants and Sources Land Use and Pollutant Contributions Urban Specific and Point Source Pollutants Urban Diffuse Peri-urban Diffuse Rural Diffuse Atmospheric Deposition Climate Change Impacts on Receiving Waters Ecosystem Health Catchment Condition and Environmental Values State of the Black River and Ross River Basins Determining Environmental Values Environmental Values for the Black Ross WQIP Area Water Quality Objectives and Targets Introduction Water Quality Condition Indicators Water Quality Guidelines Relevant to the Dry Tropics Water Quality Objectives 45

155 5.5 Sustainable Loads Point Source Loads Diffuse Source Loads and Targets Water Sensitive Urban Design (Stormwater) Stormwater Design Objectives for Developing Areas Aquatic Ecosystem Health Water Quality Improvement Management Actions Introduction Priority Management Actions Urban Water Quality Management Peri-urban Management Actions Rural Management Actions Enabling Management Actions Management Action Targets Summary Cost of Improved Water Quality and Ecosystem Health Roles and Responsibilities Integration With Other Processes Progress Reporting and Adaptation WQIP Monitoring and Evaluation Water Quality Monitoring and Modelling Adaptive Management Conclusion Bibliography and Abbreviations 89 Implementation plan options Implementation plan(s) for the Black Ross WQIP have been categorised (see below) into issue-based and enabling action plans, and then combined into an Area-based action or catchment-based plan for the identified priority areas as determined through the WQIP. Developing implementation plans in this way allow us to demonstrate both individual issue management and an integrated management of priority areas while also showing how the enabling actions contribute to the overall management action implementation picture. This will be useful for identifying funding opportunities and allows us to be flexible when targeting funding as well. Issue-based Action Plans 1. Point Source Pollution Management 2. Urban Diffuse Source Pollution Management a. New and infill development - Sediment and Erosion Control and Water Sensitive Urban Design b. Existing urban areas Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan 3. Non-Urban Diffuse Source Pollution Management 4. Protection and Conservation instream, riparian and catchment 5. Marine area protection Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and WHA Enabling Action Plans 1. Legislation, Policy and Planning 2. Monitoring and Evaluation Management effectiveness monitoring Ecosystem Health Monitoring Program Management action uptake audit 3. Education, awareness and behaviour change Community/Residents Institutional/Industry Area-based Action Plans (Priority catchments: combines issues based and enabling plans) e.g. Bohle River and Stuart Creek

156 Appendix 1 Implementation actions Urban specific extracts from the Townsville WQIP are provided in the text box below. Townsville WQIP section 6.3 [as modified] Urban Water Quality Management Management of urban water quality can firstly be separated into issues associated with point sources and diffuse sources. Point source pollutants are reasonably easy to address in terms of management actions as the issue is relatively well defined and management options are also well known. As with most infrastructure based solutions one of the main considerations is cost. The subject has been comprehensively studied and reviewed by the current and past Councils so point source pollutants are only discussed briefly. Diffuse sources of urban water pollutants are more diverse and consequently involve a wider range of management interventions, including a greater emphasis on people-based solutions. Therefore urban diffuse management actions often include communication and training as key components for behaviour change. The priority management actions for reducing urban diffuse water quality pollutant loads are based on the stage of development, or level of maturity, of urban areas and are designed to address: The short-term sediment load spikes from developing areas; and The longer-term leakage of sediment and nutrients from developed urban areas. A brief introductory discussion is included with each set of management action targets below. The management actions associated with the management action targets are listed in Appendix 1. Point source Wastewater treatment plants are the main point source contributor of water quality pollutants in the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area with direct discharge of treated effluent to the Black River, Bohle River and Stuart Creek sub basins. The management actions to reduce point source pollutant loads are listed in the text box below along with any relevant reduction targets associated with treatment plant upgrades.

157 Management of point source pollution (wastewater treatment plants) To ensure pollutants from point sources in Townsville are managed appropriately to reduce the impact on receiving waters to acceptable levels, the following management actions will be undertaken. Wastewater treatment plant upgrades As a result of plant upgrades and associated measures, by 2012 total wastewater treatment plant pollutant loads will be reduced from 2006 loads by: 75% for total nitrogen (225 tonnes/yr) 65% for total phosphorus (48 tonnes/yr). This will ensure that all wastewater treatment plants in Townsville meet DERM (EPA) revised permit requirements. Reuse Other options for fit for purpose uses of treated wastewater are investigated through Townsville s Integrated Water Supply Strategy (IWSS) and implemented as appropriate. (For additional information on wastewater treatment strategies and future actions refer to GHD 2009, Townsville Integrated Water Supply Strategy Stage 1 Assessment, Townsville City Council (Townsville Water), Townsville.) Maintenance All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained. Sewer system management Sewer networks are managed appropriately and infrastructure is upgraded in order to minimise wet weather overflows and to achieve zero dry weather overflows. Treatment plant residue management Options to reduce the potential impact of wastewater concentrates, toxicants, disinfection residuals, biosolids and salt loads are investigated and implemented where appropriate. Other point sources Ensure new and emerging point source issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner. Developing urban areas The main water quality pollutant issue associated with developing areas is soil erosion and the subsequent movement of sediment to waterways. This is particularly relevant to development on sloping sites; however, it is also an issue on floodplains and flat sites especially in close proximity to waterways. The other essential component for developing urban areas is to ensure pre-development design i.e. water sensitive urban design (WSUD), incorporates water quality improvement measures for post-development outcomes. As an adjunct to the preparation of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP, a set of draft WSUD products were developed for the Townsville region. These products include: WSUD Strategy Roadmap - a web based navigation tool to assist access to information and resources relevant to the application of WSUD in the coastal dry tropics; WSUD draft design objectives for the dry tropics; Draft WSUD Technical Design Guidelines for the Coastal Dry Tropics; and Factsheets; o Factsheet 1 - Concepts and Terms, o Factsheet 2 - WSUD in the Dry Tropics, o Factsheet 3 - Site Planning and Urban Design, o Factsheet 4 - Industrial and Commercial Sites,

158 o o o Factsheet 5 - Car parks, Factsheet 6 - Porous Pavement, and Factsheet 7 - Best Management Practices. The management action targets (MATs) for developing areas are listed in the table below. The priority management actions to achieve the MATs, including the testing and implementation of the WSUD components, are listed in Appendix 1. The management actions may also be relevant to urban style development in rural and peri-urban areas, as the general principles are the same. Urban Diffuse Developing Areas Management of development in urban and peri-urban areas Management outcome 1: To ensure all new development in Townsville is managed appropriately to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment load reductions MAT 1.1 Erosion and sediment control principles and measures implemented across all new development by 2011 MAT 1.2 Locally specific guidelines and associated tools developed to support the implementation of best practice stormwater management in Townsville by 2013 MAT 1.3 Water sensitive urban design (stormwater) principles and actions are progressively incorporated in the design of all new development reaching a 100 per cent adoption rate by 2021 MAT 1.4 By 2014 locally specific water sensitive urban design guidelines and associated tools developed and tested to support the implementation of best practice stormwater management in Townsville Developed urban areas Developed urban areas have the same water quality pollutants as developing areas i.e. sediment and nutrients, although the relative contribution of nutrients is greater and sediment generation rates are lower on an areal basis for developed areas. In comparison to rural areas, developed urban areas also have additional issues and pollutants specific to these more heavily populated and intensive land use environments e.g. backyard nutrients, residential and industrial waste and transport infrastructure. The key strategic management approach to water quality improvement applied to developed urban areas is urban stormwater quality management (USQM). This is a broad action area and includes the incorporation of WSUD principles into existing urban areas Mature developed urban areas often don t have WSUD features, as the main intent of older stormwater management systems was to remove rainfall runoff from urban areas as quickly as possible as part of flood mitigation measures. The space available to retrofit established stormwater management systems with water quality treatment measures is often limited in mature urban areas and the cost of land acquisition can be prohibitive. It may be more cost effective to investigate and develop actions that target the source of pollutant loads rather than invest in expensive retrofits that may have limited ability to address the issues. Management action targets associated with mature urban areas are listed in the table below. Much of the subsequent management action detail associated with these urban areas will result from the preparation of a new city-wide urban stormwater quality management plan (USQMP) and associated investigations and studies. Management actions to achieve the MATs are listed in Appendix 1. Requirements under the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 about USQMP and Councils with more than 10,000 residents to prepare a total water cycle management plan (TWCMP). USQMPs are included as a sub component of the TWCMP. TWCMP, USQMP and Retrofits Management of existing urban areas Management outcome 2: To ensure existing urban areas are managed appropriately in order to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment, nutrient and other pollutant load reductions MAT 2.1 Develop waterway management and rehabilitation plans for priority urban waterways

159 MAT 2.2 MAT 2.3 MAT 2.4 MAT 2.5 MAT 2.6 Best practice erosion and sediment control principles and actions being implemented across all infill and retrofit development Options investigated, areas prioritised and implementation plan developed for retrofit of appropriate water quality improvement devices into community infrastructure An integrated draft urban stormwater quality management plan prepared, as a sub component of a Total Water Cycle Management Plan [see EPP Water] All water quality improvement devices managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained Stormwater quality service levels agreed and incorporated into strategic infrastructure planning (Priority Infrastructure Plan) A summary of all the diffuse source water quality pollutant management outcomes and management action targets from the sections above is provided in the table below. Management of development in urban and peri-urban areas Management outcome 1: To ensure all new development in Townsville is managed appropriately to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment load reductions MAT Erosion and sediment control principles and measures implemented across all new development by MAT Locally specific guidelines and associated tools developed to support the implementation of best practice 1.2 stormwater management in Townsville by 2013 MAT Water sensitive urban design (stormwater) principles and actions are progressively incorporated in the design 1.3 MAT 1.4 Management of existing urban areas Management outcome 2: To ensure the existing urban areas of Townsville are managed appropriately in order to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment, nutrient and other pollutant load reductions of all new development reaching a 100 per cent adoption rate by 2021 By 2014 locally specific water sensitive urban design guidelines and associated tools developed and tested to support the implementation of best practice stormwater management in Townsville MAT One waterway management and rehabilitation plan for a priority urban waterways developed annually 2.1 commencing in 2010 with implementation actions underway by 2011 MAT Best practice erosion and sediment control principles and actions being implemented across all infill and retrofit 2.2 development by 2011 MAT Options investigated, areas prioritised and implementation plan developed for retrofit of appropriate water 2.3 quality improvement devices into community infrastructure by 2012 MAT An integrated draft urban stormwater quality management plan for the Townsville City Council LGA prepared 2.4 by 2013, as a sub component of a Total Water Cycle Management Plan for Townsville MAT All water quality improvement devices managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to 2.5 ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained MAT Stormwater quality service levels agreed and incorporated into strategic infrastructure planning (Priority 2.6 Infrastructure Plan) by 2012 Management of peri-urban areas Management outcome 3: To ensure all peri-urban areas in Townsville are managed appropriately to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment, nutrients and pesticide load reductions MAT A locally relevant catchment management plan and/or guidelines for managing peri-urban land use for water 3.1 quality improvement prepared by 2012 (8) MAT Peri-urban diffuse source pollutant loads reduced through cost-effective approaches to the management of 3.2 priority pollutant source areas (8, 17, 22-26) MAT All on-site wastewater treatment facilities (including septic tanks) managed according to approved best 3.3 management practice over the life cycle of the asset (8) MAT All water quality improvement devices managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to 2.5 ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained (8 and 3) MAT Best practice management actions being implemented within the catchment of the Ross Dam to ensure the 3.4 improvement in the quality of water draining into Lake Ross (9, 8, 10-26) Management of rural areas Management outcome 4: To ensure all rural areas in Townsville are managed appropriately to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment load reductions from grazing lands and nutrient and pesticide

160 load reductions from intensive agricultural land use MAT Grazing best practice programs being implemented in the rural areas of Townsville 4.1 MAT Intensive agriculture (horticulture and sugar cane cropping) best practice management actions being 4.2 implemented within rural and peri-urban catchments across Townsville MAT Non-urban diffuse source pollutant loads reduced through cost-effective approaches to erosion prevention and 4.3 property management in priority sediment source catchments Strategic planning Management outcome 5: To ensure relevant water quality improvement initiatives, information and activities are investigated and integrated where appropriate into Council strategic policy and planning instruments MAT Appropriate water quality improvement actions integrated with the draft Townsville City Council Planning 5.1 Scheme by 2014 MAT Regulatory, policy and land use planning frameworks across all levels of government support the enhanced 5.2 MAT 5.3 Ecosystem health improvement Management outcome 6: On-ground actions are prioritised for improving water quality and ecosystem health adoption of water quality improvement actions in Townsville A Total Water Cycle Management Plan (TWCMP) developed for Townsville linking stormwater, wastewater, potable water and waterway management MAT Condition assessment studies progressed by 2011 to enable prioritisation of on-ground works 6.1 MAT Traditional Owner waterway and water quality values are incorporated into planning and implementation of 6.2 management actions MAT Priority (no regrets) on-ground works for water quality and ecosystem health improvement underway by Community involvement and capacity Management outcome 7: All sectors of the Townsville community have access to the information and training required to contribute to implementation of relevant water quality improvement actions in the Black Ross WQIP area MAT Community involvement in water quality improvement is supported through continuation of Townsville s 7.1 community based education and involvement program MAT Locally relevant training and information provision programs developed and delivered to relevant sector groups 7.2 based on the identified and agreed priority actions MAT Best practice management and measures being implemented in the home and workplace as a result of 7.3 programs developed using behaviour change study results MAT Best practice market based incentive options investigated for water quality improvement in Townsville by Monitoring, evaluation and reporting Management outcome 8: To ensure water quality improvement actions are effective in improving water quality and results are communicated appropriately to the Townsville community MAT 8.1 MAT 8.2 MAT 8.3 MAT 8.4 MAT 8.5 A comprehensive monitoring, modelling and evaluation program developed and being implemented as part of the ongoing adaptive planning and management framework of the Black Ross WQIP (includes a Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Modelling Program) Knowledge and information requirements are identified and prioritised for major sector groups by 2010 Opportunities identified to invest in research to develop and assess the performance of water quality improvement actions in the Townsville region An integrated report card developed to communicate the progressive outcomes from the implementation of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP, including achievement of water quality improvement targets An effective cross regional Reef urban water quality improvement group contributes to water quality improvement outcomes for all local governments in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment

161 WQIP components relationship [Townsville WQIP Figure 6.1, p.85] Notes: Solid lines indicate physical linkages between components with the thickness indicating the assumed or potential magnitude of the influence. Broken lines indicate conceptual linkages between components i.e. policy and planning. SBSMP is site based stormwater management plan. ESCP is erosion and sediment control plan and measures. BMP is best (available at the time) management practice. ABCD is a management practice framework for identifying, implementing and measuring BMP and BMP uptake. WSUD is water sensitive urban design. M indicates potential [and actual] water quality monitoring points. T is human instigated water treatment e.g. raw water to potable water. Natural water treatment e.g. riparian zone filtering, which occurs in natural systems and peri-urban and rural areas has not been noted on the diagram.

162 From Townville WQIP Appendix 1 Developing urban areas (Management of development in urban and peri-urban areas) Management outcome 1: To ensure all new development in Townsville is managed appropriately to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment load reductions Management actions to achieve: MAT 1.1, MAT 1.2, MAT 1.3, and MAT 1.4 Action area and tasks (urban some peri-urban overlap) 1 Erosion and sediment control for development and construction Review the effectiveness of current measures (especially through the development assessment process) including; o TCC erosion and sediment control course and accreditation requirements, o Planning scheme provisions and use of Best Practice Erosion and Sediment Control guidelines (IECA Australasia 2008) o Monitoring and enforcement, o Council requirements under state legislation and especially the EP Act. Link with the WSUD implementation process and the development of a new planning scheme for Townsville; Incorporate risk management for climate change in all new policy settings and measures; Develop generic guidelines for developers/construction industry; o General principles about erosion and sediment movement, o Linkage with stormwater management planning, o Staged clearing commensurate with the progress of development. Monitoring and enforcement. 2 Site-based stormwater management plans for development Review the effectiveness of current measures embedded in the development assessment process including; o Planning scheme provisions, o Linkages with erosion and sediment control provisions, o Monitoring and enforcement, o Council requirements under state legislation and especially the EP Act. Link with the WSUD implementation process and the development of a new planning scheme for Townsville; Incorporate risk management for climate change in all new policy settings and measures; Develop generic guidelines for developers/construction industry; o General principles about stormwater management, o Linkage to erosion and sediment control. Monitoring and enforcement. 3 Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) guideline finalisation and adoption Strategic framework for integrating WSUD with: o The development assessment process in existing planning schemes, o The new planning scheme for Townsville City, o Development and construction industry standard design and work practices. Develop or adapt additional material as required including: o The socio-economic case for WSUD o Concept design guidelines, o Construction and establishment guideline, o Asset management guideline, o Deemed to comply and standard drawings, o MUSIC auditing tool (to assist with the development assessment process). Investigate market based incentives to assist WSUD adoption; Prepare an education and training strategy (Council, developers/construction industry, consultants, community); Prepare a communication strategy including; o Website platform incorporating the Roadmap (TCC and Creek to Coral websites), o Internal reporting,

163 o Consultation with key stakeholders, o Community consultation. Adaptive management; o Incorporation of amendments and updates to initial guidelines and documents, and development of an ongoing improvement/learning process. WSUD components i.e. stormwater, potable water and wastewater, to be considered in the total water cycle management plan (TWCMP) scoping. Identification of WSUD linkages to the development assessment process through the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 and state planning policies (SPPs); Develop monitoring and enforcement strategies and processes to complement the inclusion of WSUD in the development assessment process; Model subdivisions project - monitoring new subdivisions from greenfields stage to test WSUD effectiveness (uptake, and WQ monitoring and modelling). Developed urban areas (Management of existing urban areas) Management outcome 2: To ensure the existing urban areas of Townsville are managed appropriately in order to achieve agreed water quality improvement outcomes including sediment, nutrient and other pollutant load reductions Management actions to achieve: MAT 2.1, MAT 2.2, MAT 2.3, MAT 2.4, MAT 2.5 and MAT 2.6 Action area and tasks (urban with some peri-urban overlap) 4 Total Water Cycle Management Planning (TWCMP) incorporating the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) Coordinate the preparation of a TWCMP including: Convene a TWCMP steering group; Review of existing water plans and policies; Prepare a TWCMP framework incorporating component plans and integrative processes; Scope the activities and prepare a work plan framework for TWCMP component plan adaptation and/or preparation; Identify common requirements of TWCMP components e.g. population growth estimates and land use mapping, and allocate responsibilities for actions and define timeframes; Allocate resources for TWCMP component preparation, including common components; Prepare TWCMP components as per allocations and in conjunction with TWCMP coordination strategy. USQMP activities include: Stage 1 Preliminary activities Step 1 Initial scoping of the project Step 2 Confirming support for USQMP development Step 3 Information gathering and collation Step 4 Review of management practices and processes Stage 2 Risk assessment Step 1 Compilation of available data to determine draft Environmental Values (human use and aquatic ecosystem) for waterways and waterbodies impacted by urban stormwater Step 2 Identification of appropriate WQOs for corresponding EVs Step 3 Comparison of water quality data with WQOs Step 4 Identify threats to receiving waters from stormwater Step 5 Rate threats to EVs Step 6 Site assessments Step 7 Risk assessment Step 8 Stakeholder workshop/s to review findings and amend EVs and threat ratings Step 9 Follow up and resolve any significant disagreements Stage 3 Development of USQMP management options and actions Step 1 Identify the range of available management options to address issues / threats identified in Stage 2

164 Step 2 Align potential management options with functional management units, waterways and catchments as appropriate Step 3 Evaluate cost effectiveness of options and prioritise management actions Step 4 Document USQ strategies and management actions Step 5 Prepare an Implementation Plan. The implementation plan should specify: Priority actions, Funding and resources, Responsibilities, Timeframes, Reporting requirements and processes, Monitoring, evaluation and review processes, Communication approach and processes. 5 Urban stormwater treatment trains Use the USQMP process (Stage 3) to prioritise areas for infrastructure upgrades; Within available funding allocations, upgrade existing systems where additional water quality benefits can be gained at reasonable cost; Pilot innovative soil amelioration techniques to increase carbon content, nutrient retention and water infiltration in TCC managed sites; Investigate (using MUSIC modelling and other techniques) property scale WSUD options that have the potential to reduce pollutant loads without compromising flood management measures. 6 WSUD retrofit Expand the SQID Report (Scaf et al 2009) to include all levels of WSUD measures in place in the Townsville urban footprint, and categorise previous developments/neighbourhoods using the ABCD urban management practice framework; Prioritise areas where WSUD retrofits can be undertaken in a cost-effective way for water quality improvement to meet WSUD objectives for sediment, nutrients and gross pollutants. These can be included in USQMP (Stage 3) for local areas. Policy and strategic planning (Strategic planning) Management outcome 5: To ensure relevant water quality improvement initiatives, information and activities are investigated and integrated where appropriate into Council strategic policy and planning instruments Management actions to achieve: MAT 5.1, MAT 5.2 and MAT 5.3 Action area and tasks (enabling and cross catchment) 11 Legislation and Governance Facilitate the incorporation of WSUD guidelines and measures in the current planning schemes where possible, and as an integral part of the new Townsville City Planning Scheme; Assist with the inclusion of water quality objectives in the planning framework to reflect the appropriate level of protection of the environmental values of Townsville s waterways and waters; Make recommendations for amendments to planning control measures based on the erosion and sediment control and site-based stormwater management plans review findings; Provide advice on potential development control measures and landscape protection mechanisms through the new Townsville City Planning Scheme based on findings from condition assessment studies and strategic landscape mapping; Assist with the development of Codes associated with environmental Overlays as part of the review process and development of the new Townsville City Planning Scheme; Further investigate the identified potential mechanisms available to Council for water quality improvement associated with State and Commonwealth legislation and governance arrangements. 12 Policy investigations and development Investigate the potential for development of an integrated water management policy for total water

165 cycle management across the Townsville local government area; Investigate the potential for developer contributions to LGA wide water quality monitoring; Investigate the potential and benefits of establishing an environment infrastructure levy to be used exclusively for protecting and managing natural resources such as waterways and wetlands; Investigate options for the establishment of a beneficial rating system based on the level of environmental services installed and maintained in Townsville sub catchments. 13 Planning Scheme studies and instruments review Provide input to planning scheme scoping investigations to determine linkages between WQIP components and proposed studies to inform the development of the new planning scheme with emphasis on the following study areas, Overlays and associated Codes; o Housing density o Growth spatial studies o Waterways and Wetlands Overlay and Code o Biodiversity Overlay and Code o Bushfire Overlay and Code o Acid Sulphate Overlay and Code o Agricultural Overlay and Code o Steep Lands Overlay and Code o Cultural Heritage Overlay Where possible integrate WQIP condition assessment studies with planning scheme studies and/or assist with design and coordination of planning scheme studies to achieve mutual outcomes. 14 Strategic landscape mapping and habitat prioritisation Coordinate ecological and environmental studies and mapping across Council departments and with external partners to produce a comprehensive data set for the Townsville landscape; Develop criteria to enable prioritisation of landscape elements critical to water quality, habitat and biodiversity values protection and produce GIS products/maps of the same; Integrate relevant protection layers with regional planning processes and the development of the new Townsville City Planning Scheme. 15 Population growth and climate change considerations Update and refine population growth and urban expansion projections and mapping for inclusion in catchment and receiving waters modelling and the Bayesian Belief Network management practice decision support system; Adapt management actions as appropriate to compensate for any issues identified by the refined modelling associated with population growth not previously identified; Literature review of linkages between climate change and water quality; Based on literature review findings, develop a model, or utilise an existing model, to determine likely scenarios and timeframes for potential deterioration or improvement in water quality associated with climate change in the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area; Develop long term, intermediate and short-term objectives and actions to address any projected adverse impacts of climate change on water quality in the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area. Condition assessment and mapping (Ecosystem health improvement) Management outcome 6: On-ground actions are prioritised for improving water quality and ecosystem health Management actions to achieve: MAT 6.1 and MAT 6.2 Action area and tasks (enabling and cross catchment) 16 Condition assessment and prioritisation Scope requirements for collating and gathering condition assessment data and information associated with;

166 o Catchment condition assessment, o Aquatic ecosystem health assessment, o Riparian condition assessment, o Wetland condition, o Report card format verification, o Acid sulphate soils. Liaise with TCC Planning and Development, and other TCC departments, to identify natural resource condition studies being undertaken by Council departments and possibilities for integration and value adding; Carry out condition assessments and develop a prioritisation process to rank areas for rehabilitation on the basis of water quality improvement potential; Scope the requirements to prepare a greenspace management system for all properties owned or maintained by TCC containing greenspace i.e. parkland and natural areas, and prepare the management system; Through a staged process of consultation with Traditional Owners determine Indigenous cultural and spiritual environmental values of waterways and waterbodies in the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area, including protocols for use of the information and management options to protect the identified environmental values. On ground actions (Ecosystem health improvement) Management outcome 6: On-ground actions are prioritised and effective in improving water quality and ecosystem health Management actions to achieve: MAT 6.3 Action area and tasks (enabling and cross catchment) 21 Riparian rehabilitation Identification and prioritisation of areas for maximum water quality benefit from protection mechanisms and on-ground action; Develop action plans (may be included in Waterway Management Plans etc); Implement actions and protection measures. 22 Wetland restoration and construction Identification and prioritisation of areas for maximum water quality benefit from protection mechanisms and on-ground action; Develop action plans; Implement actions and protection measures. 23 Aquatic ecosystem health improvement Define priority areas for action based on condition assessment and prioritisation task (16); Develop waterway improvement plans for high priority urban streams; Implement priority management actions potentially including; o Freshwater fish - removal or modification of instream movement barriers, o Aquatic vegetation - control of exotic species, o Channel and floodplain features - maintain natural flow regimes and processes, o Riparian vegetation - grazing management e.g. fencing and off-stream watering points. Socio-economic and behavioural actions (Community involvement and capacity) Management outcome 7: All sectors of the Townsville community have access to the information and training required to contribute to implementation of relevant water quality improvement actions in the Black Ross WQIP area Management actions to achieve: MAT 7.1, MAT 7.2, MAT 7.3 and MAT 7.4 Action area and tasks (enabling and cross catchment)

167 17 Community Based Education and Involvement (CBEI) Supporting community and raising capacity through existing programs: o Creekwatch, o Catchment tours (eco-certified), o Dry Tropics Watersmart, o Rowes Bay Sustainability Education Centre, Learnscapes and Transect, o Citisolar, o Catchment management/natural resource management via Landcare and Coastcare. Incorporate behaviour change strategies in CBEI activities. 18 Reef Guardian Councils implementation of BMP TCC and GBRMPA are working together to identify and/or develop actions to protect the water quality of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park including by: Producing information with key Great Barrier Reef messages for events such as Ecofiesta and River Festival; Developing best management practice approaches and guidelines for Council staff; Developing behaviour change strategies for uptake of BMP; Wastewater reuse investigations (as part of Dry Tropics Watersmart). 19 Social learning and behaviour change studies Undertake behaviour change studies as required for urban and peri-urban landscapes using methods developed by the leading proponents of Community Based Social Marketing (CBSM) (Dr Doug Mackenzie-Mohr), Thematic Interpretation (Prof. Sam Ham) and Collective Social Learning (Prof. Valerie Brown); Promote community and community group leaders involvement in behaviour change training programs and studies. 20 Market based instruments investigation Investigate the potential for application of market based instruments (MBIs) as incentive measures for the uptake of water quality improvement management actions in all land uses of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area, and in particular as part of the toolkit for behaviour change.

168 Water quality monitoring and modelling (Monitoring, evaluation and reporting) Management outcome 8: To ensure water quality improvement actions are effective in improving water quality and results are communicated appropriately to the Townsville community Management actions to achieve: MAT 8.1 Action area and tasks (enabling and cross catchment) 24 Integrated water quality monitoring and modelling (IWQM and M) Implement the Integrated Water Quality Monitoring and Modelling Strategy including detailed program design for: o Critical sub catchment and river sites (to inform and validate modelling), o Ecosystem health and ambient water quality monitoring (see Error! Reference source not found.), o Community based education and involvement monitoring (see Error! Reference source not found.), o Developing a set of local water quality guidelines for the wet and dry catchments of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area in conjunction with DERM/EPA (see Error! Reference source not found.), o Socio-economic monitoring and management practice uptake, o Modelling, and in particular relating management actions to resource condition. Implement water quality monitoring programs as designed; Update the Creek to Coral water quality monitoring activity report prepared in 2004; Develop protocols and management systems for coordinating water quality monitoring initiatives and analysing and sharing data and results i.e. through quality assurance; Extract monitoring data from the database relevant to stormwater treatment measures and land uses for further analysis and to assist with development of mitigation measures including for the new USQMP, and other water quality improvement initiatives; Build on the water quality monitoring database developed by Creek to Coral for the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP to encompass additional data including from commercial/private sources; Incorporate monitoring data from large scale developments and developing areas e.g. Rocky Springs, Northshore; Develop strategies for enabling inclusion of water quality monitoring data generated from commercial enterprises e.g. development projects and Environmental Impact Assessments; Refine catchment scale models (WaterCAST and updates) by incorporating on-going monitoring results (see Error! Reference source not found.); Improve knowledge on the connection between terrestrial runoff and receiving water health through improved linkage of catchment models and receiving waters models (see Error! Reference source not found.); Investigate linkages between previous socio-economic modelling (Greiner et al 2005) and the Bayesian Belief Network (BBN) model being developed for the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area (Lynam et al 2008); Further develop the BBN decision support model to add to the tools available to identify the most appropriate management actions for water quality improvement measures in the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area; Finalisation of Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (MTSRF) Project [Understanding and enhancing social resilience: science and management integration] (Gooch et al 2008) Townsville component through monitoring community response to a water quality management intervention designed after conducting a community based social marketing study, Integrate with Burdekin WQIP paddock to reef monitoring, modelling and reporting.

169 Communication plus (Monitoring, evaluation and reporting) Management outcome 8: To ensure water quality improvement actions are effective in improving water quality and results are communicated appropriately to the Townsville community Management actions to achieve: MAT 8.2, MAT 8.3, MAT 8.4 and MAT 8.5 Action area and tasks (enabling and cross catchment) 25 Integration, communication, monitoring, evaluation and adaptive management Facilitate WQIP integration with other Council and external processes; Develop and implement the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP communication strategy incorporating reporting processes to communicate results of water quality monitoring and modelling and other relevant processes; Foster partnerships and relationships for water quality improvement including participation in and leadership of cross regional groups; Refine and implement the WQIP monitoring and evaluation framework; Refine and extend the ABCD Management Practice Framework for urban and peri-urban areas; Progress and test the Bayesian Belief Networks decision support system, Develop and implement a detailed adaptive management strategy to underpin implementation of the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP.

170 Townsville WQIP summary WQIP: Black Ross Townsville Authors: (below) Lead implementer: Creek to Coral (Townsville City Council) Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan: Improving Water Quality from Creek to Coral, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville. With a population of more than 180,000 (as per 2008 projections), Townsville is the largest city in northern Australia and one of the country s fastest growing communities. The Black Ross WQIP covers a total land area of approximately 2,700 square kilometres with nearly half of this area occupied by grazing and a further 37% consisting of minimal use and conservation areas. Urban land uses occupy approximately 6% of the total Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP area. (from the front cover of Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP SUMMARY)

171 Townsville Water Quality Issues The principal water quality pollutants impacting the Great Barrier Reef from urban areas (point source and diffuse sources) are sediment and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus). Wastewater treatment plants were identified as the main form of urban point source pollutant discharge. The issues associated with diffuse source pollutants vary across catchments as a function of; land use (urban, peri-urban and rural), the stage of development and existing management practices. Developing areas were therefore treated differently to mature land uses. The pressures associated with population growth and an expanding urban footprint usually have a flow on effect to water quality through higher levels of sediment and nutrient inputs and subsequent downstream implications for ecosystem health in fresh, estuarine and marine receiving waters. Impacts include disruption to the ecology and nutrient dynamics of ecosystems, changes in primary production and biomass concentration (algal growth), altered light levels (turbidity) and photosynthesis, smothering and burial when particles settle out (sedimentation) and disruption to life cycle processes of organisms (growth, reproductive capacity and morbidity).wqip studies revealed diffuse source sediment generation rates from developing urban areas to be significantly higher than for all other land uses at up to 35 times greater (see graph). The main issue identified for mature urban areas was nutrient runoff, especially phosphorus. (p.2) The majority of the reports and studies prepared as background and input material for the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP along with a series of Factsheets about the characteristics of the sub basins are available at Environmental Values, Water Quality Objectives and Condition The WQIP process identified an interim set of environmental values (EVs) and water quality objectives (WQOs) for the waters of the Townsville coastal catchments through a process of desktop surveys, technical group workshops and community consultation (see Environmental Values, Water Quality Objectives and Targets for the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan). The adopted WQOs were compared to collated water quality data from the Water Quality Condition of the Black and Ross River Basins report (Connell Wagner 2008). Of the 24 waterways with water quality data (43 waterways had no/insufficient data) only four (17 per cent of waterways with water quality data) met all the WQOs. Ten of the waterways (42%) met 80 per cent of the WQOs while thirteen (54%) met 50 per cent of the WQOs. For the main water quality pollutants impacting the Great Barrier Reef 50 per cent of the waterways achieved the total nitrogen (TN) WQO, 50 per cent achieved the total phosphorus (TP) WQO while only 33 per cent achieved the total suspended solids (TSS) WQO. It should be noted that much of the data was dated and may not reflect current condition. (p.3) Water Quality Improvement Actions Creek to Coral recognises the importance of people in managing our natural resources and has placed an emphasis on the delivery of people-based solutions to urban and peri-urban water quality issues. This approach is about source control rather than end of pipe solutions. Many of the WQIP actions focus on supporting people to change their management practices to improve water quality outcomes. Initial investigations will be required to determine the best behaviour change options to ensure the most effective programs to support management practice adoption are implemented.

172 This approach will be more effective and cost efficient than resorting to expensive infrastructure solutions. Infrastructure solutions will still be necessary in some situations with the main focus being the creation of sustainable environmental infrastructure to support the Townsville landscapes and community lifestyle. Some of the main management action areas for the Townsville WQIP are listed below. Total water cycle management in the urban context incorporating: Urban stormwater quality management planning for existing urban areas; Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) for developing areas and redevelopment in existing areas; Erosion and sediment control (ESC) and sitebased stormwater management plans (SBSMP) for developing areas; Reef Guardian Council actions implementation. Total water cycle management across all land uses and landscapes: Community based education and involvement (CBEI) (awareness and capacity building) with: Social learning and behaviour change studies for action prioritisation and result monitoring; Strategic landscape mapping and habitat prioritisation for environmental infrastructure planning; Riparian zone rehabilitation and wetland restoration/construction for aquatic ecosystem health; Integrated water quality monitoring and modelling program (physical, biological and social). Total water cycle management across peri-urban and rural areas: Water resource catchment management (Upper Ross River Sub Basin); Develop peri-urban catchment management guidelines and implementation activities; Promote Managing for WQ within grazing lands of the Burdekin Catchment (NQ Dry Tropics); Promote management practice ABCD framework for sugar cane and horticulture. Townsville City Council and Creek to Coral can deliver some of the actions while others may be delivered by partner organisations separately or in collaboration with Creek to Coral. Effective delivery of the Townsville WQIP will involve a renewed emphasis on partnerships with the Queensland and Australian Governments, industry, community groups and all residents of the Townsville region. [00 BR_Overview_factsheet final]

173 Appendix C ABCD Management Practice Framework Progression

174 Appendix C ABCD Management Practice Framework Progression Mackay Whitsunday WQIP (2008) The draft urban management practice classifications as they appear in the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP (MWWQIP) are reproduced below for developing urban areas (Greenfields development) and existing urban areas (Brownfields). Developing Urban (Greenfields) ABCD Classes D Class New Urban Development Description: 1. High % of directly connected impervious surfaces >20% impervious surfaces 2. No mitigated flows 3. No erosion and sediment control measures for land development stage 4. No erosion and sediment control measures for site/lot construction stage 5. Little or no stormwater management Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. Planning minimal 2. No developer policy and linkage with planning scheme and other regulatory measures 3. No developer policy and linkage with nonregulatory measures Education: 1. None Infrastructure: 1. None B Class New Urban Development Description: 1. WSUD for all development 2. <10% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater 3. ESCP implemented during land development and construction 4. Maintenance as per ESCP 5. SBSMP implemented 6. Loads reduced by (i.e. meets the WQ targets for WQIPs etc) TN-45%, TP-60%, TSS- 80% 7. Maintenance as per SBSMP C Class New Urban Development Description: % directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater (effective impervious) 2. Event flow/bank full 3. Base flow/low flow 4. No/inadequate implementation during land development (ESCP) 5. No/inadequate implementation during site construction (ESCP) 6. Some current best practice implemented e.g. Gross Pollutant Traps 7. Inadequate sediment retention and does not meet targets (bioretention in operation) 8. Maintenance plan not implemented (ESCP) Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. Recognition of USQMP and other Council processes/programs 2. Ad hoc planning for maintenance of stormwater management measures 3. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) prepared 4. No reporting unless required for breaches/complaints Education: 1. Some educational resources available for industry Infrastructure: (to be determined) A Class New Urban Development Description: 1. WSUD incorporated in all developments 2. Mimicking natural flows through capture, treatment and release of water over time 3. Effectively 0% directly connected impervious surfaces 4. Implementation of Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) measures precedes development 5. ESCP maintenance schedule adhered to and adjusted as required 6. Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) meets and surpasses targets 7. SBSMP maintenance schedule adhered to 9. SBSMP incorporates adaptive management strategy

175 Resource condition indicators (one or more indicators at this level): (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. Integration of development with USQMP and other Council processes/programs 2. Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) prepared by accredited provider 3. Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed by accredited provider (>1 ha sites) 4. Active transition planning for ongoing maintenance of stormwater management measures 5. Voluntary reporting on non-compliance 6. Staged development to reduce risk of erosion by avoiding exposed soil during wet season Education: 1. Industry as a partner in education program targeting water management 2. Industry as a partner in education program targeting nutrient and pesticides 3. Industry as a partner in education program targeting soil erosion prevention Infrastructure: and is amended as required 8. Non-compliance is infrequent and only minor Resource condition indicators (all indicators at this level): (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. Effective integration of development with USQMP and other Council processes/programs 2. Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) prepared for all sites 3. Functional and effective transition planning for ongoing maintenance of stormwater management measures 4. Good contingency planning incorporated in ESCP 5. Reporting on achievements and non-compliance Education: 1. Industry driven engagement in water management (quality and quantity) 2. Industry driven engagement in soil management including revegetation activities 3. Industry driven engagement in nutrient and pesticide management Infrastructure: (to be determined) (to be determined) Notes: Source is MWWQIP, Table 46 New urban development management practices classified in the ABCD framework, p.67. ESCP: Erosion sediment control plan SBSMP: Site based stormwater management plan in accordance with EPA guidelines USQMP: Urban stormwater quality management plan in accordance with Council and EPA guidelines WSUD: Water Sensitive Urban Design Existing Urban (Brownfields) ABCD Classes D Class Existing Urban Management Description: 1. Infill development as for New Urban 2. No mitigated flows 3. >20% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater 4. Infill development as for New Urban Resource condition indicators (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) not developed Education: 1. None Infrastructure: (to be determined) B Class Existing Urban Management Description: 1. Infill development as for New Urban 2. WSUD for redevelopment at micro scale/property scale 3. <10% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater C Class Existing Urban Management Description: 1. Infill development as for New Urban % directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater 3. Infill development as for New Urban Resource condition indicators (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. USQMP being developed Education: 1. Some educational resources available Infrastructure: (to be determined) A Class Existing Urban Management Description: 1. Infill development as for New Urban 2. WSUD incorporated in all redevelopment 3. Mimicking natural flows through capture, treatment and release of water over time 4. Effectively 0% directly connected impervious surfaces

176 Resource condition indicators (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. USQMP developed and being implemented Education: 1. Community total water cycle water management education program developed and operating Infrastructure: (to be determined) 5. Nutrient and pesticide levels entering waterways mimic natural levels Resource condition indicators (to be determined) Planning and reporting: 1. Effective USQMP being implemented in conjunction with industry and community 2. Presence of a strategic program for retrofitting of devices (in USQMP) Education: 1. Active community engagement in total water cycle water management Infrastructure: (to be determined) Notes: Source is MWWQIP, Table 47 Existing urban management practices classified in the ABCD framework, p.68. Reviewing the Mackay Whitsunday 2008 urban ABCD As part of the review process to update the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP the urban ABCD from the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP (2008) was reformatted and presented to Whitsunday Regional Council staff at a focus group meeting for Reef Catchments on 12 March The reformatted existing urban ABCD is provided below as an example. Existing urban ABCD (as adapted from MWWQIP 2008) D Class Existing Urban Management Planning and reporting 1. Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) not developed Urban Stormwater Quality Management and WSUD Retrofit including ESC 1. Infill development as for developing urban i.e. no erosion and sediment control measures for construction stage, little or no stormwater management and no WSUD measures installed 2. No mitigated flows 3. >20% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater Education and Awareness 1. None C Class Existing Urban Management Planning and reporting 1. USQMP being developed 2. Erosion and sediment control plan prepared for infill development (ESCP) Urban Stormwater Quality Management and WSUD Retrofit including ESC 1. Infill development as for developing urban i.e. inadequate implementation of erosion and sediment control measures during construction and inadequate WSUD measures installed to meet stormwater management design objectives (SMDO) % directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater Education and Awareness 1. Some educational resources available B Class Existing Urban Management Planning and reporting 1. USQMP developed and being implemented 2. Site based stormwater management plan (SBSMP) including ESC prepared for infill development Urban Stormwater Quality Management and WSUD Retrofit including ESC 1. Infill development as for developing urban i.e. SBSMP and ESC implemented during construction phase 2. WSUD incorporated in redevelopment at the property scale and SMDO achieved post construction 3. <10% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater Education and Awareness 1. Community total water cycle water management education program developed and operating A Class Existing Urban Management Planning and reporting 1. Effective USQMP being implemented in conjunction with industry and community 2. Presence of a strategic program for retrofitting of WSUD measures (in USQMP)

177 3. Site based stormwater management plan (SBSMP) including ESC prepared for infill development Urban Stormwater Quality Management and WSUD Retrofit including ESC 1. Infill development as for developing urban i.e. SBSMP and ESC implemented during construction phase and achieves full compliance 2. WSUD incorporated in all redevelopment and SMDO exceeded post construction 3. Mimicking natural flows through capture, treatment and release of water over time 4. Effectively 0% directly connected impervious surfaces 5. Nutrient and pesticide levels entering waterways reflect natural levels Education and Awareness 1. Active community engagement in total water cycle water management Source is MWWQIP, Table 47 Existing urban management practices classified in the ABCD framework, p.68 (as modified). Notes: ESC is erosion [prevention] and sediment [movement] control, ESCP: Erosion and sediment control plan, SBSMP: Site based stormwater management plan in accordance with EPA guidelines, USQMP: Urban stormwater quality management plan in accordance with Council and EPA guidelines, WSUD: Water Sensitive Urban Design, SMDO is stormwater management design objectives. Urban ABCD management practices revisited, reviewed and re-arranged An extract from the Mackay Whitsunday Isaac Urban Think Tank (UTT) draft urban ABCD management framework is provided in the text box below. Urban ABCD Management Framework: a new tool for urban water management Introduction In 2010 Reef Catchments convened the Urban Think Tank as an initiative of the Healthy Waterways Alliance Mackay Whitsunday Isaac. The Think Tank was tasked with examining urban impacts on waterways and the development [of] management strategies to improve waterway health in and around urban centres. In response, the Urban Think Tank has designed an Urban ABCD Management Framework that aligns with the agriculture industry frameworks of the Mackay Whitsunday Water Quality Improvement Plan (2008). The Urban Framework is designed as a mechanism to rate management practices within urban centres and their likely impacts on waterway health. Impacts may be from nutrients, chemicals, sediment or solid waste. Subsequent impacts on waterway health from activities in urban centres are ranked relative to best management practice standards. The Structure of the Framework Urban centres have been identified as the management unit similar to a large scale agricultural land holding unit. The urban centre management unit may be comprised of: - New development - Revitalised development - Roads - Commercial, industrial and residential land use - Waste management - Sewerage treatment works

178 Each urban centre management unit can be broken down into components which represent good practice and good outcomes, or poor practice and poor outcomes. For the purpose of this framework the components of the management unit are known as themes. The urban centre themes that may influence the quality of water leaving an urban management unit are identified in the Urban ABCD Management Framework as follows: Stormwater management practices from development sites Waste management Marine debris (as a consequence of poor stormwater management) Erosion and sediment control (ESC) from development sites Erosion and sediment control (ESC) from Council infrastructure projects Urban transport (stormwater runoff from roads) Pollution from Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERAs) Sewage treatment plant output management practices Development Approval (DA) processing and conditions Energy Water conservation measures Open space management Development on floodplain areas Activities and/or outcomes for each urban centre theme are defined for: A class (aspirational) B class (best practice) C class (conventional practice meeting minimum standards) D class (poor or dated practice) These four management standard classes are designed to indicate the range of actions that reflect poor practise through to practices that meet minimum requirements, best management practices, culminating in innovative practises. An urban centre is assessed against the urban centre themes and management standard classes (A, B, C, or D) to determine whether the practises used in that area are producing outcomes that minimise impacts on nearby waterways. Scores are assigned to the theme on a sliding scale with A scoring the highest, D scoring the lowest. Urban centre themes have been weighted to reflect the relative impact each will have on the waterways. Theme Weighting Definition: Theme weightings are a probabilistic weighting that reflects the relative potential impact or likelihood of significant impact on water quality from an activity. Some activities are more likely to have significant impact on water quality depending upon the level of management practice (A, B, C, or D) adopted in undertaking the activity. 1 reflects the lowest relative potential impact activity and 3 represents the highest relative potential impact activity. Scores for an urban centre are totalled and ranked against the rating table to assign an overall score for the urban centre. An excel spread sheet has been developed to readily record scores and ranking for quick reference of raw scores or comparison between urban centres reflected as a percentage. Future use of the ABCD Urban Management Framework

179 A reviewed version of the ABCD Urban Management Framework will be included in the revised Water Quality Management Plan (Mackay Whitsunday Isaac) due for release In the interim it is anticipated that the ABCD Urban Management Framework may be used by local government authorities to: - Identify activities that may be having an impact on the water quality leaving urban centres - Identify areas for improvement in urban water quality management - Develop future projects that may reduce urban impacts on water quality - Further down the track, benchmark local government activities to the community and demonstrate where positive change for water quality has occurred as a result of existing, renewed and/or revised management activities The Urban Think Tank is presently designing a similar tool for specifically for urban development sites. An example of the UTT urban ABCD is provided below. Development on floodplain areas Dated Urban Land Use Floodplain Management Management practices that are superseded or unacceptable Planning: Subdivisions approved within the 1 in 100 ARI. Commercial and industry approved in flood plain areas. Development approved within 1 in 100 ARI storm tide areas. All road crossings use pipes All road crossings impede water flow All urban drains are concrete lined. Parkland areas have a relatively high use of fertilisers. Best Practice Urban Land Use Floodplain Management Currently promoted Best Management Practices (BMP s) Planning: Floodplain development and management plan developed by council to inform planning scheme. No subdivisions approved within the 1 in 100 ARI. No Commercial and industry approved in flood plain areas. No development approved within 1 in 100 ARI storm tide areas. Conditions placed on developments to reduce risk of possible impacts. Between 0-50% of road crossings use pipes. Most designed to facilitate fish passage. Between 0-50% road crossings impede water flow. Most designed to facilitate fish passage. Between 0-50% urban drains are concrete lined. Parkland areas do not use fertiliser. Conventional Urban Land Use Floodplain Management Management practices that meet minimum expectations Planning: Few subdivisions approved within the 1 in 100 ARI. Conditions placed on developments to reduce risk of possible impacts. Few Commercial and industry approved in flood plain areas. Conditions placed on developments to reduce risk of possible impacts. Few developments approved within 1 in 100 ARI storm tide areas. Conditions placed on developments to reduce risk of possible impacts. Between % of road crossings use pipes Between % road crossings impede water flow Between % urban drains are concrete lined. Parkland areas use a low amount of fertiliser. Aspirational Urban Land Use Floodplain Management Innovative practices that require further validation Planning: Floodplain development and management plan developed by council to inform planning scheme. No subdivisions approved within the 1 in 100 ARI. No Commercial and industry approved in flood plain areas. No development approved within 1 in 100 ARI storm tide areas. Conditions placed on developments to reduce risk of possible impacts. No road crossings use pipes, all designed to maintain fish passage. No road crossings impede water flow all designed to maintain fish passage. No urban drains are concrete lined unless absolutely necessary. Parkland areas do not use fertiliser. Theme weighting: = 2 Score: Aspirational = 4 Best Practise = 3 Conventional = 2 Dated = 1 Mark :

180 2014 review of the UTT ABCD The Urban Think Tank (UTT) ABCD rewrite of the draft MWWQIP urban ABCD framework (2008) resulted in a number of themes as listed in the table below. No. Theme No. Theme 1 Stormwater management practices for development sites 8 Sewerage treatment plant output management practices 2 Waste management 9 Development Approval (DA) processing and conditions 3 Marine debris - urban litter 10 Energy 4 Erosion and sediment control (ESC) from 11 Water conservation measures development 5 Erosion and sediment control (ECS) from Council 12 Open space management infrastructure projects 6 Urban transport (stormwater runoff from roads) 13 Development on floodplain areas 7 Pollution from Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERA s) The themes were subsequently re-arranged to reflect their relevance to water quality improvement, where they would fit into a Reef wide generic urban ABCD management practice framework based on the Townsville WQIP ABCD conceptual structure and related back to the original draft ABCD urban management practice framework from the MWWQIP (2008). The result are presented in the tables below. Point source (for Point Source management actions) No. MWI UTT theme Relevance 7 Pollution from Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERA s) Point source under the EP Act 8 Sewerage treatment plant output management practices Point source under the EP Act Diffuse source (for developing (new) urban land use ABCD classification) No. MWI UTT theme Relevance Policy, Planning and Development Assessment 9 Development Approval (DA) processing and conditions [includes planning schemes and legislative instruments] Yes as the follow up to reflection of the single SPP in planning scheme and policies 13 Development on floodplain areas As part of 9 - DA approval WSUD and Stormwater Management including Erosion and Sediment Control Measures 1 Stormwater management practices for development sites Directly relevant including for infill development in existing urban 4 Erosion and sediment control (ESC) - development and construction sites (includes Council operations and infrastructure projects) Directly relevant including for infill development in existing urban Diffuse - Existing urban land use ABCD No. MWI UTT theme Relevance Urban Stormwater Quality Management and WSUD Retrofit including ESC 6 Urban transport (stormwater Yes via USQMP runoff from roads) 12 Open space management A significant maintenance issue especially at natural area/urban interface as part of USQMPs Education and Awareness 3 Marine debris = urban litter As part of litter education, waste management strategy and thematic communication including via USQMP Related measures No. MWI UTT theme Relevance 2 Waste management Yes via education e.g. litter and drains 11 Water conservation measures Related WSUD and sustainability factor. Relevant to open space management and WWTP water recycling 10 Energy Indirect through water supply and waste water treatment

181 [as adapted and presented to Mackay Regional Council for MWWQIP review/update] 1 Point source Urban ABCD management standard class definitions Sewage treatment plant output management practices B - Sewage Treatment Plant Output Management Hydraulic load capability hydraulic load % of plant capability (Average dry weather flow) Nutrient outputs TN more than 3-5 times ANZECC guidelines for tropical freshwater systems Telemetric system to monitor discharge rates and manipulate sections of the STP process Water samples selected and analysed by automatic water quality loggers Comprehensive annual operational plan for the STP Detailed STP upgrade and replacement plan - components of the STP identified for upgrade or future replacement Adequate maintenance program The cost of the STP is well known Notes This theme is more to do with licensing conditions and Council compliance Relevant to Council future planning and forecasting for growth Necessary for calculating end of catchment loads where discharge is to waterways Pollution from Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERA s) B - Urban ERA s and Pollution Management No interception device between the ERA workspaces and the nearest waterway Notes This theme is more to do with licensing conditions and perhaps operational matters which do not really involve Council Perhaps this is about the ERA/DA process and the relationship between DEHP and Council Water conservation measures B - Water Conservation Management Recycled water from sewage treatment plant is used in open spaces for irrigation Notes Most components not directly relevant so not included as part of the water quality ABCD framework. Relevant components incorporated into appropriate themes e.g. USQMP/existing urban.

182 2 Developing urban Stormwater management practices from development sites B - Urban Stormwater Management Council [Urban] Stormwater [Quality] Management Plan [USQMP] finalised Stormwater infrastructure designed to reflect BMP Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) considered in development design and incorporated into developments or Council projects Council landscaping strategy or Plan finalised Council Policy on Erosion and Sediment Control Plan finalised Notes Erosion and sediment control (ESC) from development sites B - ESC Management Audits conducted on ESC conditions on developments Erosion and sediment control goals and effective possible measures included in Council development manual. Conditions for various developments listed Integrated community and industry education programs for ESC associated with development. Use of leaflets, education and awareness programs, demonstration sites Council (outdoor) staff given extensive training (5 day workshop) in ESC, Council planning and compliance staff given extensive training (5 day workshop) in ESC Council procedures on how to develop ESC plans for development sites highly developed ESC incorporated in Council works basic 1 page plans for each site showing general measures that will be used, plus ESC strategy Measurement of ESC measure outcomes from development sites via water quality measurements Notes Include with or incorporate in Stormwater management practices from development sites theme (above) i.e. Developing urban ABCD framework Erosion and sediment control (ECS) from Council infrastructure projects B - Infrastructure Development ESC/EMP Management Road work or drainage engineering plans issued before work commences Water sensitive urban design principles incorporated into design plans Environmental Management Plans including erosion or sediment control plans for site developed Communication between construction crews and engineers prior to work commencing. Other Council staff such as environmental section informed of Notes Could be incorporated into the USQMP and included in the Stormwater management practices from development sites theme i.e. Developing urban ABCD framework C not B Reword

183 work Community consultation notice in newspapers Budget calculated for various sections of the work Project timeline and milestones recorded and plotted Site rehabilitation plan developed Reword. Also advertising dependent on the size of the project Development Approval (DA) processing and conditions B - DA Approval Processing Management Notes Clear, concise, reasonable and relevant and achievable development conditions which reflect best practise Water conservation measures B - Water Conservation Management Notes Rain water tanks are encouraged

184 3 Existing urban Urban transport (stormwater runoff from roads) B - Urban Transport Management Road system has a reasonable capacity to collect, store and treat polluted stormwater runoff. This is mainly via grassed swales designed to trap sediment, but also use of stormwater filter systems (e.g. Stormwater 360 modules) Council [Urban] Stormwater [Quality] Management Plan [USQMP] finalised Notes Generally not relevant to the water quality ABCD framework as is mostly about traffic control/management and not water quality improvement Open space management B Open Space Management Most open space has facilities which aid in the retention of urban stormwater and its treatment Approximately 30-50% of the degraded urban creeks have been restored (50-70% degraded) Strategic timing of grounds maintenance (fertiliser application, mowing, surface stabilisation measures, erosion control) in relation to wet season Notes Incorporate relevant components into relevant themes e.g. USQMP/existing urban and WSUD design for planning components. Other components may be relevant to Council performance standards and/or meet KPIs Urban floodplain management (revised) B Floodplain Management Practice Notes Incorporate relevant components into relevant themes e.g. existing urban/usqmp and developing urban/wsud design for planning components. Other components may be relevant to Council performance standards, environmental management goals and/or to meet KPIs from operations Parkland areas do not use excessive fertiliser i.e. little or no contribution to nutrient loads in rainfall run-off Water conservation measures B - Water Conservation Management Notes Domestic grey water re-use via garden irrigation is encouraged [subject to legislation]

185 4 Associated (referenced) Waste management B - Urban Waste Management Council waste management strategy or plan finalised Recycling strategy finalised Landfill operation plan finalised Council Litter Management strategy finalised Notes Marine debris (as a consequence of poor stormwater management) B - Marine Debris Management Notes An integrated marine debris program where the This whole section would be incorporated into the community work with the Council Waste Management theme (above) as a sub Marine debris included in Litter management plan component of the overall waste reduction and Marine debris funded as part of Council/community recycling plan and referred to in the Existing urban waste management strategy ABCD management practice framework Marine debris data collected Council quick to react to storm generated debris on foreshores response time less than 1 week Formal arrangements in place to clean up marine debris which includes defined roles in the Council, state government and community Stormwater management plan developed which aims to collect gross pollutants from urban areas Education and awareness program developed to reduce marine debris Source: C:\Users\Earth\Documents\Mackay Whitsunday NRM\abcd urban\z mrc\mackay RC

186 The Creek to Coral draft Townsville urban ABCD from the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP Extract from the Townsville WQIP (Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan: Improving Water Quality from Creek to Coral, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville.) ABCD management practice framework A tool to assist with the promotion and measurement of management practice uptake is the ABCD management practice framework for urban areas. This was initially developed in conjunction with the management team of the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP and Mackay City Council (now Mackay Regional Council). The framework has a number of functional uses including: To set targets for water quality management practice improvement; To provide land managers with a range of water quality improvement options; To relate the management action improvements to pollutant load reductions; To measure improvement in management practice on an ascending grouped scale; To provide discreet management classes for inclusion in probability based modelling programs e.g. Bayesian Belief Network (BBN); To investigate the most effective, and most cost effective, management interventions for water quality improvement using probability based modelling; To provide a level of certainty, through modelling of probability distribution, of the potential effectiveness of management interventions for reasonable assurance; To inform the adaptive management strategy. Creek to Coral has continued to work on the framework with the latest urban drafts (dev deloping areas, developed areas and point sources) included in the Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report (Gunn and Manning 2010). In addition to the urban areas, a draft framework for peri-urban areas has been developed and this will be road-tested as part of the WQIP implementation process. The peri-urban areas do not neatly fit into the urban or rural land use categories and require separate consideration. The peri-urban areas are under the most pressure from a development perspective and also have a relatively large number of land managers with different levels of land management experience and expertise. (p.102) Source: C:\Users\Earth\Documents\reef rescue\ee WaterQIPs RegNRM\z reference\reef plan wqips\townsville\brwqip_report_ web-100medium

187 Extract from Townsville WQIP Options, Costs and Benefits report (Gunn, J. and Manning, C. 2010, Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan Options, Costs and Benefits Report, Townsville City Council - Creek to Coral, Townsville.) 7.3 ABCD framework A tool to assist with the promotion and measurement of management practice uptake is the ABCD management practice framework. The framework was initially developed for grazing and intensive agricultural land uses (sugar cane and horticulture) by the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP team with preliminary development of the ABCD management practice framework for urban areas carried out in conjunction with the Black Ross WQIP management team, and Councils in the Mackay Whitsunday WQIP area. The ABCD framework concept has been adopted for the Black Ross WQIP area and the urban component further developed. Work has also commenced on a peri-urban ABCD framework for the Townsville region. The ABCD management practice framework is being developed for urban and peri-urban areas, in part; to provide some form of delineation of the pollutant generation variables associated with different management practices for various land uses, and thereby determine the range of potential water quality improvement likely by moving from a lower to a higher management practice category. The end game is to use the ABCD management practice framework in concert with the BBN to determine the most effective management interventions for each land use based on potential water quality improvement associated with the suggested management practices. Further development of the ABCD management practice framework and a significant amount of testing and calibration of the BBN is required to attain greater levels of certainty associated with modelled results i.e. the better the input the better the output. The current ABCD framework for urban and peri-urban areas is included in Appendix M. (pp.79-80)

188 Appendix M ABCD Management Practice Framework Urban land use management practice framework (ABCD) and characteristics for the Black Ross (Townsville) WQIP Urban ABCD framework principles A B C D Advanced or cutting edge practices some of which haven t yet been invented Effectively 0-5% directly connected impervious surfaces; Natural flows mimicked through capture, treatment and release of water over time; Nutrient and chemical levels entering waterways are equivalent to or less than natural levels. Better practices where we want to be to meet our water quality targets <10% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater. Common practices where we are now i.e. common or normal practice 10-40% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater. Degrading practices what we know not to do High % of directly connected impervious surfaces (>50% impervious surfaces); No mitigated flows. Diffuse sources of pollutants from urban land uses (developing) (draft) This ABCD management practice framework is relevant to development occurring in locations where land use changes from agricultural, minimal use or natural areas to an urban, commercial or industrial land use resulting in an intensification of land use (generally in peri-urban areas). Development activities include new, infill and retrofit development. This stage includes the transition of urban land use from developing to developed. 1. This classification is relevant until the transfer of stormwater quality assets and other management responsibilities to Council or other appropriate managing authority ( the responsible body ). The timing and terms of the handover to be negotiated with the responsible body 2. This classification is relevant to the specified reporting spatial unit (e.g. sub catchment) and relates in some instances to a percent coverage of management practice across that spatial unit 3. Management practices predominantly focus on erosion control and the reduction of sediment movement (sediment and attached nutrients). ABCD management practice framework for developing urban areas Class Management practices for water quality improvement A 1. Individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed, implemented and audited for all new, infill and retrofit development. 2. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) developed, implemented and audited for all new, infill and retrofit development. 3. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment system established in 100% of all new, infill and retrofit development. 4. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) measures designed to exceed locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and receiving water quality meets WQ objectives/guidelines. 5. Land clearing prior to construction does not occur at all during the wet season. 6. Regular/comprehensive water quality monitoring is undertaken prior to, during and after construction activities including both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 7. Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment measures is undertaken to ensure

189 B C treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle. 8. Comprehensive records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. Records are made available. 9. Adaptive management principles utilised in all master-planned or staged developments to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 10. Industry ensures it is trained in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 11. Industry provides demonstration sites and allows data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 12. Industry engages Council in discussions over maintenance and asset handover early in the development cycle. 13. Industry voluntarily provide data to allow reporting to community on performance, including any non-compliances. 1. Individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development (>1 ha sites) 2. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) developed and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development. 3. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment system established in >50% of all new, infill and retrofit development across the landscape. 4. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) measures designed to meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and receiving water quality meets WQ objectives/guidelines 75% of the time. 5. Incremental land clearing occurs no earlier than two weeks prior to construction activities occuring during the wet season. 6. Water quality monitoring undertaken prior to, during and after construction activities including both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 7. Monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment measures is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle. 8. Records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 9. Adaptive management principles utilised in all master-planned or staged developments to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 10. Industry undertakes some training in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 11. Industry considers providing demonstration sites and allows data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 12. Industry engages Council in discussions over maintenance and asset handover early in the development cycle. 13. Industry voluntarily reports performance including any non-compliances to regulators. 1. Individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed for all new and some infill and retrofit development (>1 ha sites). 2. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) developed for all new, infill and retrofit development. 3. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment system established in >5% of all new, infill and retrofit development across the landscape. 4. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) measures designed to meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and receiving water quality meets WQ objectives/guidelines 50% of the time. 5. Land clearing prior to construction occurs during the wet season without regard for timing of construction and with limited mitigation measures.

190 6. Minimal water quality monitoring undertaken prior to, during or after construction activities. 7. Very limited monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment measures is undertaken. 8. Very limited records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 9. Adaptive management principles not utilised in relevant development situations to improve practices over time, often associated with a lack of monitoring data. 10. Industry undertakes limited training in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 11. Industry does not provide demonstration sites and no data records are made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 12. Industry engages Council in discussions over maintenance and asset handover only as required by legislation and regulations. 13. Industry provides limited reports on specific performance and only includes any noncompliance reports to regulators when required by legislation. D 1. No individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) prepared for development. 2. No erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) prepared for development. 3. No Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment systems established as a component of development. 4. Locally specific design objectives for stormwater treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) not met and receiving water quality meets WQ objectives/guidelines <50% of the time. 5. Extensive land clearing occurs at any time of the year including during the wet season and there is no regard for the timing and sequencing of clearing and construction. 6. No water quality monitoring undertaken associated with the development. 7. No monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment measures is undertaken. 8. No records are kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 9. No continuous improvement or adaptive management principles incorporated in the development process. 10. Industry does not encourgae training in current best practice with respect to stormwater quality management and improvement. 11. Industry does not assist with activities to improve stormwater quality practices e.g. demonstration sites and data sharing. 12. Council is forced to engage Industry in discussions over maintenance and asset handover. 13. Industry does not provide data/reports on specific performance or any non-compliances unless by specific request of the regulator.

191 Diffuse sources of pollutants from urban land uses (developed) (draft) This ABCD management practice framework is relevant to urban areas after the greenfield stage of development (intensification of land use) is completed. This follows the land use transition from developing to developed. 1. This classification is relevant to the Council or other appropriate managing authority ( the responsible body ) as well as the wider community occupying and managing urban areas. 2. This classification is relevant to the specified reporting spatial unit (e.g. sub catchment) and relates in some instances to a percent coverage of management practice across that spatial unit. 3. Management practices predominantly focus on nutrient reduction strategies. Class Management practices for water quality improvement A 1. The operational phase of any Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) stormwater treatment systems continue to be maintained to ensure they exceed locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness in terms of load reductions, and receiving water quality meets or exceeds water quality objectives (WQO) or guidelines (WQG). 2. Retrofit and upgrade opportunities for WSUD management measures investigated regularly and systematically implemented across the urban water cycle (stormwater, potable water and wastewater). 3. Regular/comprehensive water quality monitoring continues in selected locations within the urban footprint as deemed appropriate in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) with monitoring to include both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 4. Comprehensive monitoring and analysis is undertaken to determine treatment effectiveness of WSUD assets and to ensure effectiveness is maintained over the lifecycle of WSUD assets. 5. Comprehensive records are kept and collated including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. Records are made available. 6. Adaptive management principles are utilised to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 7. Responsible bodies ensure they are trained in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 8. Responsible bodies continue to maintain any demonstration sites (if applicable) and allow data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 9. Responsible bodies voluntarily provide data to allow reporting to community on performance, including any non-compliances. 10. >70% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 11. New development areas (catchments) automatically integrated into the USQMP as a process within the USQMP adaptive management framework. 12. Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP regularly to ensure it reflects emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework. B 1. The operational phase of any Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) stormwater treatment systems continue to be maintained to ensure they meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness in terms of load reductions, and receiving water quality meets or exceeds water quality objectives (WQO) or guidelines (WQG) at least 75% of the time. 2. Regular water quality monitoring continues in selected locations within the urban footprint as deemed appropriate in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) with monitoring to include both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 3. On-going monitoring and analysis is undertaken to determine treatment effectiveness of WSUD assets and to ensure effectiveness is maintained over their lifecycle. 4. Records are kept including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness,

192 C D maintenance records and costs. Records are made available. 5. Adaptive management principles are utilised to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 6. Responsible bodies ensure they are trained in current best practice for stormwater quality improvement. 7. Responsible bodies continue to allow data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 8. Responsible bodies voluntarily provide data to allow reporting to community on performance. 9. >40% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 10. New development areas are integrated into existing USQMP as part of the USQMP update process. 11. Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP in accordance with regulatory requirements to ensure it reflects emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework. 1. The operational phase of any Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) stormwater treatment systems (if present) are maintained to ensure they meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness in terms of load reductions and receiving water quality meets or exceeds water quality objectives (WQO) or guidelines (WQG) at least 50% of the time. 2. Some water quality monitoring continues in selected locations within the urban footprint as deemed appropriate in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) with monitoring to include both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 3. Limited monitoring and analysis undertaken to determine treatment effectiveness of WSUD assets and to ensure effectiveness is maintained over their lifecycle. 4. Limited records are kept including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 5. A piecemeal approach is utilised to support continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data available. 6. Responsible bodies ensure they have some training in current best practice for stormwater quality improvement. 7. Responsible bodies allow uncollated data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 8. Responsible bodies voluntarily provide limited data for reporting to the community on performance. 9. <40% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 10. New development areas integrated into existing USQMP irregularly. 11. Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP when prompted by the agency administering the relevant legislation. 1. The operational phase of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) stormwater treatment systems (if any) are not adequately maintained to meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness in terms of load reductions and receiving water quality seldom meets water quality objectives (WQO) or guidelines. 2. No regular water quality monitoring is undertaken in urban catchments. 3. No monitoring of the treatment effectiveness of WSUD assets (if any) is undertaken. 4. Incomplete or inadequate records kept including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 5. Adaptive management approach not utilised for continuous improvements in urban stormwater management practices over time. 6. Responsible bodies do not offer or undertake training in current best practice for stormwater quality improvement. 7. Responsible bodies do not collect or provide data records for the purpose of continuous

193 improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness or reporting to the community on performance. 8. <10% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 9. Responsible bodies develop, review and update the USQMP only when the agency administering the relevant legislation demands that the responsible body does so.

194 Diffuse sources of pollutants from peri-urban land uses (draft) This ABCD management practice framework is relevant to peri-urban areas after initial and/or intensive development of properties has occurred. This follows the land use transition from developing to developed. In general terms the ABCD management practice framework for developing urban areas could also be applied to developing peri-urban areas. Note: Peri-urban areas are broadly defined as groupings of properties greater than 1 hectare and less than 300 hectares in size in transition zones between urban and rural land uses. 1. This classification is relevant to the Council or other appropriate managing authority ( the responsible body ) as well as the wider community occupying and managing peri-urban areas. 2. This classification is relevant to the specified reporting spatial unit (e.g. sub catchment) and relates in some instances to a percent coverage of management practice across that spatial unit. 3. Management practices focus on both sediment and nutrient reduction strategies as well as vegetation, habitat and biodiversity protection and management. Class Management practices for water quality improvement A 1. Sustainable property management plans (SPMP) are developed, implemented and routinely audited. 2. All existing native vegetation is protected and managed in accordance with the SPMP. Both voluntary and regulated conservation instruments may be applied to properties as part of the SPMP. 3. Vegetation clearing is limited to areas required for dwellings, associated infrastructure and to ensure the safety of residents and their property in accordance with development approvals and conservation instruments. 4. Rehabilitation and revegetation of any degraded areas is undertaken in accordance with SPMPs and is consistent with regional conservation strategies and natural resource management (NRM) plans. 5. Intensive land uses such as horticulture and extractive industries occur only in appropriate areas as defined by legislation through regional and local planning instruments. Intensive land use activities are managed appropriately. 6. Where available dwelling properties are connected to reticulated sewerage systems otherwise septic tanks and other wastewater treatment systems are maintained adequately and upgraded or replaced as required to maintain environmentally safe discharges. 7. Natural overland flow paths are protected with all water storage and treatment measures constructed offline from natural overland flow paths. 8. Water quality monitoring is undertaken (where relevant) where an intensive land use occurs or with proposed intensification of land use. 9. Comprehensive records are kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. Records are publicly available on request. 10. >70% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies regularly review and update the relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms to ensure they reflect emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework. 12. Pest/weed management plans are a component of SPMPs. Individual SPMPs are consistent with any regional pest management plans, strategies and legislation. 13. Fire management planning is a component of SPMPs and appropriate fire regimes are utilised. B 1. Property management plans (PMP) are developed and implemented. 2. Native vegetation is protected and managed consistent PMPs. 3. Remnant vegetation clearing is limited to areas required for dwellings, associated infrastructure and to ensure the safety of residents and their property in accordance with development approvals.

195 C D 4. Revegetation activities occur consistent with PMPs. 5. Intensive land uses such as horticulture and extractive industries occur only in appropriate areas as defined by legislation through regional and local planning instruments. 6. Where available dwelling properties are connected to reticulated sewerage systems otherwise septic tanks and other wastewater treatment systems are maintained adequately and upgraded or replaced as required to maintain environmentally safe discharges. 7. Natural overland flow paths are generally protected with water storage and treatment measures constructed in a manner sensitive to protecting natural overland flow paths. 8. Water quality monitoring is undertaken (where relevant) where an intensive land use occurs or with proposed intensification of land use. 9. Records are kept including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs % to 70% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies semi-regularly review and update the relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms to ensure they reflect emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework. 12. Pest/weed management plans developed and implemented as a component of PMPs. Individual plans are consistent with any regional pest management plans, strategies and legislation. 13. Fire management planning is undertaken as a component of PMPs and appropriate fire regimes are utilised. 1. Limited property management planning occurs and is often not effectively documented. 2. Vegetation, including remnant vegetation is protected and maintained only as required by legislation. 3. Land clearing activities are relatively un-managed except as required by legislation. 4. Revegetation activities are generally uncoordinated and may only occur when required by legislation. 5. Intensive land uses such as horticulture and extractive industries occur in appropriate areas only as defined by legislation through local planning instruments. 6. Septic tanks are generally maintained to minimise on property usage issues. 7. Water storage and treatment measures are constructed with little emphasis on protecting overland flow paths. 8. Limited water quality monitoring is undertaken (where relevant). 9. Very limited records are kept including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 10. <40% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies review and update the relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms only as required by legislation. 12. Pest/weed management plans may be developed and individual plans may be consistent with any regional pest management plans, strategies and legislation. 13. Limited fire management planning is undertaken and appropriate fire regimes may not be utilised. 1. No property management planning occurs. 2. Vegetation, including remnant vegetation is not protected and maintained. 3. Land clearing activities occur in an un-managed manner and may not comply with relevant legislation. 4. Revegetation activities only occur if enforced by legislation. 5. Intensive land uses such as horticulture and extractive industries undertaken with little regard for social and environmental considerations. 6. Septic tanks are not maintained adequately or replaced when necessary. 7. Water storage and treatment measures are constructed with no regard for protecting

196 overland flow paths. 8. No water quality monitoring is undertaken. 9. No records are kept including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 10. <10% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies do not review and update relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms except when prompted by the relevant regulatory agency. 12. Pest/weed management plans are not developed. 13. No fire management planning is undertaken and fire regimes are usually inappropriate.

197 Point sources of pollutants from developed sites (draft) This ABCD management practice framework is relevant to developed sites with point source discharges. The principal point source discharge activity in Townsville is associated with wastewater treatment plants. 1. This classification is relevant to the Council or industry conducting environmentally relevant activities (ERA) involving point source discharge. 2. This classification is relevant to specific sites with reporting and compliance as required by ERA permit conditions. 3. Management practices focus principally on nutrient reduction strategies. Class A B C D Management practices for water quality improvement 8. Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) and other ERA activities never exceed licence conditions. 9. Discharges from ERA activies, other than WWTPs, are connected to an approved reticulated wastewater treatment plant, or if wastewater is treated on site it is treated in accordance with best practice water quality improvement standards. 10. Treated wastewater is reused and recycled with <10% of the volume of treated wastewater discharged to receiving waters. 7. WWTPs and other ERA activities rarely exceed licence conditions (1 in 10 years) and then exceedance is only minor and/or due to external factors. 8. Treated wastewater is reused and recycled with <50% of the volume of treated wastewater discharged to receiving waters. 7. WWTPs and other ERA activities occasionally exceed licence conditions (1 in 3 years). 8. Less than 10% of treated wastewater is reused or recycled with the majority of treated wastewater discharged to receiving waters. 7. WWTPs and other ERA activities often exceed licence conditions (annually). 8. All treated wastewater is discharged to receiving waters.

198 Explanatory notes accompanying the Townsville WQIP draft urban ABCD management practice framework (Manning 2010) (as updated for this report) are provided in the text box below. Black Ross (Townsville) Water Quality Improvement Plan (WQIP) A framework for classifying identified management practice uptake Background With the development of Water Quality Improvement Plans in the Great Barrier Reef Catchment comes a requirement to measure and report on the uptake of management practice across any given area. A framework was developed by the Mackay Whitsunday s WQIP team (2008) to allow a coarse measurement of management practice uptake at landscape or homogenous land use level. This assessment can be represented spatially and repeated over time to effectively track the adoption of management practices using a Monitoring and Evaluation strategy established through the WQIP process. This classification system links with the outcome hierarchy outlined in the MERI framework (i.e. Level 2, Intermediate Outcome 2a Aggregate changes in how the region is managed) and is achieved through the measurement against defined management actions and targets. The ABCD framework (developed by the Mackay Whitsunday s WQIP team) has 4 tiers for classifying relevant water quality improvement management practices as follows: A - Advanced practices; B - Better practices; C - Common practices; D - Degrading practices. Classifying management practice adoption in the Black Ross WQIP region The Black Ross Water Quality Improvement Plan has utilised the ABCD framework developed by the Mackay Whitsunday s WQIP team (with input from Creek to Coral) and adapted it to cover diffuse sources from urban and peri-urban land uses of the Black Ross WQIP region as outlined below: Diffuse sources of pollutants from urban land uses - developing areas; Diffuse sources of pollutants from urban land uses - developed/mature areas; Sources of pollutants from peri-urban/rural residential land uses. Management actions for point source pollutants will be applied on a case by case basis with the ABCD framework only applied to waste water treatment plants (WWTP) i.e. the primary point source pollutant generator. Classifying community capacity to adopt identified management practices in the Black Ross WQIP region The Black Ross WQIP ABCD management practice framework will consider research findings from a Marine and Tropical Research Facility (MTSRF) project to identify indicators of community resilience to present a mechanism for allowing the coarse measurement of the Townsville community s capacity or inclination to implement identified management practices. Adopted ABCD classification hierarchy of community resilience attributes (using the resilience management framework) A - Highly resilient community potential (high numbers of champions and early adopters) B Medium/high resilient community potential (low number of champions and early adopters; more followers or late adopters) C Medium resilient community potential (no innovators; few if any champions or early adopters; more followers, some resistors) D Low resilient community potential (no innovators; champions or early adopters; some followers, more resistors) This measurement is based on the indicators of community resilience developed in the MTSRF project and determined using a survey to coarsely measure and classify the community s potential or capacity to adopt identified management practices. This classification could be applied across the same spatial units

199 as used for the physical classifications of management practice adoption above. In the first instance this could represent the baseline condition allowing us to measure through our monitoring and evaluation framework, changes in our community s capacity to adopt identified management practices over time. More importantly, as measurement will be undertaken over the same spatial units as the physical classifications then it should be possible to make comparisons between physical management practice adoption rates and the underlying community capacity to adopt the identified management practices. These comparisons could represent a powerful decision making tool. Diffuse sources of pollutants from urban land uses - developing sites Development occurring in locations where landuse changes from an agricultural, minimal use or natural area landuse to an urban, commercial or industrial landuse (an intensification of landuse). Classification of development activities include new, infill or retrofit development. Notes: 1. This classification is relevant until the transfer of stormwater quality assets and other management responsibilities to Council or other appropriate managing authority ( the responsible body ) the timing and terms of this handover to be negotiated with the responsible body. 2. This classification is relevant to the reporting spatial unit area (sub-basin?) and relates in some instances to a percent coverage of management practice. 3. Predominantly focused on erosion control and sediment movement reduction (sediment and attached nutrients) Class Management practices for water quality improvement A 14. Individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed, implemented and audited for all new, infill or retrofit development. 15. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) developed, implemented and audited for all new, infill or retrofit development. 16. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment systems established in 100% of all new, infill or retrofit development 17. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) measures designed to exceed locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters 18. Land clearing prior to construction does not occur at all during the wet season 19. Regular/comprehensive water quality monitoring undertaken prior, during and post construction activities including both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 20. Regular monitoring of the treatment effectiveness undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 21. Comprehensive records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. Records are made available. 22. Adaptive management principles utilised in all master-planned or staged developments to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 23. Industry ensures it is trained in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 24. Industry provides demonstration sites and allows data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 25. Industry engages Council in discussions over maintenance and asset handover early on in the development cycle 26. Industry voluntarily provide data to allow reporting to community on performance, including any non-compliances B 14. Individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed and implemented for all new, infill or retrofit development (>1 ha sites) 15. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) developed and implemented for all new, infill or retrofit development. 16. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment system established in >50% of all new, infill or retrofit development across the landscape 17. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) measures designed to meet locally specific

200 design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters 75% of the time. 18. Incremental land clearing prior to construction occurs at a 4 week development horizon during the wet season 19. Water quality monitoring undertaken prior, during and post construction activities including both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 20. Monitoring of the treatment effectiveness is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 21. Records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 22. Adaptive management principles utilised in all master-planned or staged developments to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 23. Industry undertakes some training in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 24. Industry considers providing demonstration sites and allows data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 25. Industry engages Council in discussions over maintenance and asset handover early on in the development cycle 26. Industry voluntarily reports performance including any non-compliances to regulators C D 14. Individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed for all new, infill or retrofit development (>1 ha sites) 15. Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) developed for all new, infill or retrofit development. 16. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment system established in 5% of all new, infill or retrofit development across the landscape 17. Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) measures designed to meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters 50% of the time. 18. Land clearing prior to construction occurs during the wet season with limited mitigation strategies 19. Very limited water quality monitoring undertaken prior, during and post construction activities including both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 20. Very limited monitoring of the treatment effectiveness is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 21. Very limited records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 22. Adaptive management principles not utilised in all master-planned or staged developments to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 23. Industry undertakes limited training in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 24. Industry does not provide demonstration sites and no data records are made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 25. Industry engages Council in discussions over maintenance and asset handover 26. Industry provides limited reports on specific performance and only includes any noncompliance reports to regulators when required by legislation. 14. No individual Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) developed for all new, infill or retrofit development (>1 ha sites) 15. No erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) developed for all new, infill or retrofit development. 16. No Water Sensitive Urban Design (stormwater) treatment systems established in all new, infill or retrofit development across the landscape 17. Locally specific design objectives for stormwater treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) not met and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters <50% of the time. 18. Extensive land clearing prior to construction occurs during the wet season 19. No water quality monitoring undertaken prior, during and post construction activities including both stormflow and baseflow monitoring.

201 20. No monitoring of the treatment effectiveness is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 21. No records are kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 22. Adaptive management principles not utilised in all developments hence no continuous improvements in practices over time are realised. 23. Industry does not undertake any training in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 24. Industry does not provide demonstration sites and no data records are made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 25. Council requires Industry to engage in discussions over maintenance and asset handover 26. Industry does not provide data/reports on specific performance or any non-compliances (unless by specific request of the regulator)

202 Diffuse sources of pollutants from urban land uses - developed sites Notes 1. This classification represents the transition of development from developing to developed 2. This classification is relevant to the Council or other appropriate managing authority ( the responsible body ) and the wider community. 3. This classification is relevant to the reporting spatial unit area (sub-basin?) and relates in some instances to a percent coverage of management practice. 4. Predominantly focused on nutrient reduction strategies Class Management practices for water quality improvement A 1. The operational phase of any stormwater treatment (WSUD) systems continue to be maintained to ensure they exceed locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters. 2. Retrofit and upgrade opportunities for Water Sensitive Urban Design management measures investigated regularly and systematically implemented across stormwater, potable water and wastewater. 3. Regular/comprehensive water quality monitoring continues in selected (optimal number) locations within the urban footprint as deemed appropriate in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) with monitoring to include both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 4. Regular on-going monitoring of the treatment effectiveness undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 5. Comprehensive records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. Records are made available. 6. Adaptive management principles utilised to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 7. Responsible bodies ensure they are trained in current best practice with respect to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement. 8. Responsible bodies continue to maintain any demonstration sites (if required) and allows data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 9. Responsible bodies voluntarily provide data to allow reporting to community on performance, including any non-compliances 10. >50% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 11. New development areas integrated into existing Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan for urban areas on a regular basis 12. Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP regularly to ensure it reflects emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework B 1. The operational phase of any stormwater treatment (WSUD) systems continue to be maintained to ensure they meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters at least 75% of the time. 2. Regular water quality monitoring continues in selected (sub optimal number) locations within the urban footprint as deemed appropriate in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) with monitoring to include both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 3. On-going monitoring of the treatment effectiveness undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 4. Records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. Records are made available. 5. Adaptive management principles utilised to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 6. Responsible bodies ensure they are trained in current best practice for stormwater quality improvement. 7. Responsible bodies continue to allow data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 8. Responsible bodies voluntarily provide data to allow reporting to community on performance

203 C D 9. <50% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 10. New development areas integrated into existing Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan for urban areas 11. Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP regularly to ensure it reflects emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework 1. The operational phase of any stormwater treatment (WSUD) systems (if present) are maintained to ensure they meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters at least 50% of the time. 2. Some regular water quality monitoring continues in selected (sub optimal number) locations within the urban footprint as deemed appropriate in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) with monitoring to include both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 3. Limited monitoring of the treatment effectiveness is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 4. Limited records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 5. Adaptive management principles utilised to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 6. Responsible bodies ensure they have some training in current best practice for stormwater quality improvement. 7. Responsible bodies continue to allow limited data records to be made available for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness. 8. Responsible bodies voluntarily provide limited data to allow reporting to community on performance 9. <25% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 10. New development areas integrated into existing Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan for urban areas irregularly 11. Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP semi-regularly to ensure it reflects emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework 1. The operational phase of any stormwater treatment (WSUD) systems (if present) are not maintained to ensure they meet locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions) and contributes to achieving the adopted WQ objectives/guidelines for receiving waters at least 50% of the time. 2. No regular water quality monitoring continues in selected (sub optimal number) locations within the urban footprint as deemed appropriate in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) with monitoring to include both stormflow and baseflow monitoring. 3. No monitoring of the treatment effectiveness is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness of the asset is maintained over its lifecycle 4. No records kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 5. Adaptive management principles not utilised to help ensure continuous improvements in practices over time, commensurate with the level of data collected. 6. Responsible bodies do not offer/undertake training in current best practice for stormwater quality improvement. 7. Responsible bodies do collect or provide data records for the purpose of continuous improvement of practice adoption and effectiveness or reporting to the community on performance 8. 0% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplaces. 9. New development areas integrated into existing Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan for urban areas only when required by regulators 10. Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP semi-regularly to ensure it reflects emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework

204 Diffuse sources of pollutants from peri-urban land uses Class Management practices for water quality improvement A 1. Property management plans developed, implemented and audited 2. All existing vegetation, including remnant vegetation is protected and maintained through the implementation of conservation type instruments 3. No land clearing activities occur other than required for dwelling and associated infrastructure construction 4. Revegetation activities occur and are consistent with an agreed property management plan 5. Land uses such as intensive or extensive agriculture and resource extraction activities occur only in appropriate areas as defined in regional planning instruments and legislation. Activities are managed appropriately. 6. Property is connected to reticulated sewerage where available otherwise septic tanks are maintained adequately and replaced when needed 7. Natural overland flow paths are protected. All water storage and treatment measures are constructed offline from natural overland flow paths. 8. Water quality monitoring is undertaken where relevant (intensive land use or intensification of landuses) 9. Comprehensive records are kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. Records are publicly available on request 10. >50% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies regularly review and update the relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms to ensure they reflect emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework 12. Pest/weed management plans developed, implemented and audited. Individual plans are consistent with any regional pest management plans, strategies and legislation 13. Fire management planning is undertaken and appropriate fire regimes are utilised B 1. Property management plans developed and implemented 2. Vegetation, including remnant vegetation is protected and maintained consistent with an agreed property management plan 3. Land clearing activities other than those required for dwelling and associated infrastructure construction is undertaken consistent with an agreed property management plan 4. Revegetation activities occur and are consistent with an agreed property management plan 5. Land uses such as intensive or extensive agriculture and resource extraction activities occur only in appropriate areas as defined in regional planning instruments and legislation. 6. Property is connected to reticulated sewerage where available otherwise septic tanks are maintained adequately and replaced when needed 7. Natural overland flow paths are protected. Water storage and treatment measures are constructed in a manner sensitive to protecting natural overland flow paths. 8. Water quality monitoring is undertaken (where relevant) where an intensive land use occurs or with the intensification of landuses 9. Records are kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 10. <50% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies semi-regularly review and update the relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms to ensure they reflect emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework 12. Pest/weed management plans developed and implemented. Individual plans are consistent with any regional pest management plans, strategies and legislation 13. Fire management planning is undertaken and appropriate fire regimes are utilised C 1. Limited property management planning occurs 2. Vegetation, including remnant vegetation is protected and maintained only when required by legislation 3. Land clearing activities other than those required for dwelling and associated infrastructure construction is un-managed unless required by legislation 4. Revegetation activities occur only when required by legislation 5. Land uses such as intensive or extensive agriculture and resource extraction activities occur in appropriate areas as defined in regional planning instruments and legislation. 6. Septic tanks are maintained adequately

205 D 7. Natural overland flow paths are not protected. Water storage and treatment measures are constructed with little emphasis on protecting overland flows. 8. Limited water quality monitoring is undertaken (where relevant) 9. Very limited records are kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs. 10. <25% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies semi-regularly review and update the relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms to ensure they reflect emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework 12. Pest/weed management plans are developed. Individual plans are mostly consistent with any regional pest management plans, strategies and legislation 13. Limited fire management planning is undertaken and appropriate fire regimes are utilised infrequently 1. No property management planning occurs 2. Vegetation, including remnant vegetation is not protected and maintained 3. Land clearing activities including those required for dwelling and associated infrastructure construction occurs in an un-managed manner 4. No revegetation activities occur 5. Land uses such as intensive or extensive agriculture and resource extraction activities are undertaken with no regard to environmental considerations. 6. Septic tanks are not maintained adequately and replaced as required 7. Natural overland flow paths are not protected. Water storage and treatment measures are constructed with no thought to protecting overland flows. 8. No water quality monitoring is undertaken (where relevant) 9. No records are kept including water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance records and costs % of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes, workplaces and properties. 11. Responsible bodies do not review and update the relevant planning and regulatory mechanisms to ensure they reflect emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework 12. Pest/weed management plans are not developed. 13. No fire management planning is undertaken and fire regimes utilised are inappropriate

206 Draft urban diffuse management practices for ABCD classification (2014) Developing Urban Water Quality Improvement Activity Policy, Planning and Partnerships Council policy supports total water cycle management and ecosystem health protection A Total Water Cycle Management Plan (TWCMP) or strategy developed linking; flood mitigation, water sensitive urban design (WSUD), stormwater management, waterway management, potable water supply, wastewater treatment, water conservation and the protection of natural assets, environmental infrastructure, hydrological and ecological functions and ecosystem services Council s Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) prepared for mature urban areas, as a component of the TWCMP, and links with and integrates succession planning for developing areas Strategic landscape and local scale mapping prepared for planning and decision making including for identification and prioritisation of areas for location of protection mechanisms and treatment measures for maximum water quality improvement benefits Water quality improvement measures effectively integrated in the Planning Scheme, as per the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (and successive State planning legislation) including: WSUD principles Water quality objectives to protect environmental values Reference to the Total Water Cycle Management Plan (TWCMP) Reference to the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) Clear, concise and relevant development approval provisions/conditions, which reflect best practice for; o erosion prevention and sediment movement control (ESC) o site-based stormwater management plans (SBSMP) Planning Scheme Policies e.g. Waterways and Wetlands, and associated guidance encourages development to exceed State Planning Policy (SPP) and other legislative requirements ESC Planning Scheme Policy meets State Planning Policy (SPP) requirements and reflects or references (IECA) ESC guidelines (including any development manual provisions) suit climatic conditions and go beyond best practice to exceed water quality (WQ) objective outcomes Council has erosion risk maps for the whole of its local government area (LGA) Council stormwater quality service levels agreed and incorporated in strategic infrastructure planning including Priority Infrastructure Plan (PIP) as appropriate Stormwater infrastructure is designed to reflect best practice stormwater management i.e. integrated quantity (flood mitigation) and quality, including use of rain water tanks as part of the urban water quality treatment trains Best practice stormwater management measures and WSUD principles are included in the design of all Council managed and implemented community infrastructure projects i.e. all Council construction/development activities Industry voluntarily engages Council in discussions over maintenance and asset handover early in the development cycle enabling functional and effective transition planning for ongoing maintenance of stormwater management measures Indigenous Traditional Owner waterway and water quality values identified in partnership with Traditional Owners and incorporated in planning processes Functional and effective partnerships established across the NRM region (and/or LGA) to promote and achieve urban water quality improvement outcomes Implementation (incorporating communications and community involvement) Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) Water sensitive urban design (WSUD) (Total water cycle management) principles and measures are incorporated in the design of all new development including to: Reduce the water pollutant loads reaching receiving waters from development sites and mature urban areas to normal background levels i.e. from undisturbed areas Mimic natural flows through detention and release of water over time to reflect the hydrograph of undisturbed areas i.e. effectively achieves 0% directly connected impervious surfaces to stormwater systems WSUD tools have been developed and tested to suit local conditions and assist Council and Mature

207 the development and construction industry achieve WSUD design principle outcomes Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) stormwater treatment systems established in 100% of all new, infill and retrofit development Water Sensitive Urban Design stormwater quality measures are designed to exceed locally specific design objectives for treatment effectiveness (in terms of load reductions defined in the single SPP) and contribute to achieving adopted water quality objectives (WQOs) for receiving waters as per Schedule xx of the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009 (EPP Water) All water quality improvement devices are managed and maintained appropriately over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained and, wherever possible, enhanced Adaptive management principles are utilised in all master-planned or staged developments to enable continuous improvements in practices over time Site Based Stormwater Management (SBSM) Site Based Stormwater Management Plans (SBSMP) developed, approved (by Council or the administering authority as part of the development application and assessment process) and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development to: meet and surpass construction stage stormwater management design objectives, as per the single SPP, and any additional and/or locally specific stormwater quality targets Site Based Stormwater Management Plan (SBSMP) implementation is regularly audited by Council and/or third party audited by developers with reports provided to Council 7. SBSMP maintenance schedule adhered to 8. Non-compliance is infrequent and only minor 9. SBSMP incorporates adaptive management strategy and is amended as required Regular/comprehensive water quality monitoring (stormwater flow and base flow) is undertaken prior to, during and after construction activities Erosion and sediment control (ESC) Best practice erosion and sediment control (ESC) principles and measures are incorporated in all new, infill and retrofit development Erosion and Sediment Control Plans (ESCP) are prepared, approved by Council (or the administering authority as part of the development application and assessment process) and implemented for all new, infill and retrofit development Staff assessing, approving and conditioning ESC plans are appropriately qualified (e.g. CPESC) Conditions are consistent with, and supported by best practice guidelines (e.g. IECA, 2008). Conditions are practicable, measurable and consistent for all developments 4. Installation of approved Erosion and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP) measures precedes land development and construction works 4. and 5.Good contingency planning incorporated in ESCPs with maintenance schedules adhered to and adjusted as required to suit site needs Erosion and sediment control (ESC) measures are regularly audited to ensure compliance with development approval conditions and other legislative requirements Land clearing for construction does not occur during the wet season (December to March) The majority of developments (>80%) comply with approved plans, best practice standards, and install additional controls where needed Staff training and qualifications (Council) Council has policies and procedures in place to ensure that ESC standards on Council s own building, construction and maintenance works represents best practice setting a positive example for local stakeholders Council ensures all works undertaken by or on behalf of Council are adequately revegetated/stabilised directly after works are completed Communications and community involvement Knowledge and information requirements are identified and prioritised for major sector groups Industry ensures it is trained in current best practice with regard to all aspects of stormwater quality improvement including revegetation activities Industry provides demonstration sites and enables access to collected stormwater management data for the purpose of continuous improvement and accelerated uptake of more effective management practices Best management practice approaches and guidelines developed and in place for Council staff Council procedures on how to develop and implement ESC plans for development sites highly

208 developed Council staff provided with extensive training in ESC and stormwater management Community (includes industry) involvement in water quality improvement is supported through community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs: Integrated community and industry education programs for ESC associated with development Information provision programs for relevant sector groups Demonstration sites Locally relevant training Best practice market based incentive options Behaviour change strategies for uptake of BMP Best practice management measures being implemented in the home and workplace as a result of CBEI and behaviour change programs Monitoring and Evaluation A comprehensive monitoring, modelling and evaluation program implemented in an adaptive planning and management framework Water quality improvement actions performance is monitored and assessed Measurement of ESC compliance/outcomes from development sites via water quality measurements Regular monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment measures is undertaken to ensure treatment effectiveness is maintained over the lifecycle of the asset Comprehensive stormwater management records are kept including for water quality, management measure effectiveness, maintenance regimes and stormwater management implementation costs. Records are made available Industry voluntarily provides data to allow reporting to community on performance - achievements and any non-compliances An integrated report card developed to communicate outcomes environmental, social and economic Note: The Mature column denotes that the activity/action is also relevant to existing or mature urban areas.

209 Mature Urban Water Quality Improvement Activity Policy, Planning and Partnerships Council policy supports total water cycle management and ecosystem health protection A Total Water Cycle Management (TWCM) plan or strategy developed linking; flood mitigation, water sensitive urban design (WSUD), stormwater management, waterway management, potable water supply, wastewater treatment, water conservation and the protection of natural assets, environmental infrastructure, hydrological and ecological functions and ecosystem services An urban stormwater quality management plan (USQMP) has been prepared as part of a total water cycle management (TWCM) approach to sustainable natural resource management Catchment plans, including waterway management and rehabilitation, are developed to assist with implementation of the USQMP 3. Site based stormwater management plans (SBSMP), including ESC are prepared for infill development and redevelopment New development areas are regularly integrated into the existing USQMP as part of the USQMP adaptive management framework Identification and prioritisation of strategic areas for maximum water quality improvement from stormwater management measures and mechanisms is supported by Council Re-use of domestic grey water is encouraged e.g. via garden irrigation (subject to legislation) Implementation (incorporating communications and community involvement) Urban stormwater quality management plan (USQMP) 4 A practical and effective USQMP is being implemented in conjunction with industry and community 5 As a result of implementing USQMP actions nutrient and sediment concentrations entering receiving waters reflect natural levels 1. Erosion and sediment control (ESC) principles and measures are included in site based stormwater management plans (SBSMP) and implemented for infill development and redevelopment achieving full compliance with development conditions Stormwater management systems and stormwater quality treatment measures and devices are managed and maintained over the life cycle of the asset to ensure treatment efficiencies are maintained to meet or exceed locally specific stormwater management design objectives i.e. in terms of load reductions, contributing to the achievement or improvement of adopted water quality objectives (WQO) for receiving waters Retrofit and upgrade opportunities for water sensitive urban design (WSUD) stormwater management measures are investigated and prioritised for public and private urban land Retrofit and upgrade opportunities for water sensitive urban design (WSUD) are systematically implemented across public open space and private redevelopment sites The road system has the capacity to treat stormwater runoff prior to its entry to the formal stormwater system e.g. grassed swales and bioretention pods Maintenance works carried out by Council have adequate erosion prevention and sediment movement control measures in place to ensure that stormwater runoff does not transport sediment to receiving waters Most open space has stormwater management measures which aid in the detention and treatment of urban stormwater runoff Open space maintenance activities e.g. mowing, fertiliser application and resurfacing, incorporate best practice with little or no contribution to nutrient and gross pollutants loads in rainfall run-off Urban waterways and wetlands have intact riparian vegetation capable of filtering the majority of sediment from stormwater runoff before it reaches receiving waters Communications and community involvement Community involvement in total water cycle water management and water quality improvement is supported through community based education and involvement (CBEI) programs including: Information provision programs for relevant sector groups Locally specific guidelines and associated tools Locally relevant training Best practice market based incentive options Behaviour change strategies for uptake of BMP New

210 >70% of residents, businesses and industries undertake best practices for water quality improvement in their homes and workplace as a result of CBEI and behaviour change programs Responsible bodies ensure they are trained in current best practice for all aspects of stormwater quality management and improvement Best management practice approaches and guidelines for Council staff Knowledge and information requirements are identified and prioritised for major sector groups Monitoring and Evaluation Adaptive management principles are utilised to help ensure continuous improvement in management practices over time A comprehensive monitoring, modelling and evaluation program implemented in an adaptive planning and management framework to: assess the performance of water quality improvement actions ensure WSUD treatment effectiveness is maintained over the lifecycle of the assets Comprehensive water quality monitoring (stormwater flow and base flow) continues across the urban footprint as identified in the Urban Stormwater Quality Management Plan (USQMP) or other relevant water quality monitoring strategy Comprehensive stormwater quality management records are collated including for water quality data, management measure effectiveness, maintenance regime and management practice implementation costs. Records are readily accessible for collaborative water quality improvement activities Stormwater management data from working demonstration sites is made available by the responsible bodies to enable continuous improvement and accelerated uptake of more effective management practices Responsible bodies voluntarily provide data to allow reporting to community on performance, including any non-compliances An integrated report card developed to communicate outcomes of the USQMP Responsible bodies review and update the USQMP regularly to ensure it reflects emerging best practice, locally relevant data, information and learnings in an adaptive management framework Note: The New column denotes that the activity/action is also relevant to new or developing urban areas.

211 Appendix D Environmental Values

212 Appendix D Environmental Values The relationship between environmental values (EV), water quality guidelines and water quality objectives (WQO) is discussed below in relation to determining EVs and WQOs. Process for determining EVs and WQOs 1 Current understanding Community uses and values Draft EVs (incl. 2 Levels of Protection) Feedback loop Monitor and review Water quality guidelines Draft WQOs 3 Impacts not acceptable Alternative management strategies Consider social, economic and environmental impacts Impacts acceptable Final EVs & WQOs and management strategies Fig 1.2, p.6 (Gunn, Manning and McHarg. 2009, p.6) Source: John Bennett (DERM/EPA) Process for establishing draft EVs and WQOs The initial three stages for identifying the current condition of waterways and establishing draft EVs and draft WQOs for specific waterways and waters, as per the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) framework, are described briefly below (with reference to the diagram above). The main areas of interest from the framework are the initial stages (i.e. in the green broken line box): 1. Stage 1 Information report; 2. Stage 2 Draft environmental values (includes input from community consultation); and 3. Stage 3 Draft water quality objectives (includes consideration of available water quality guidelines, with preference for locally derived guidelines) Information report This stage is about gathering and collating background information including water quality condition and any data that could be used for establishing environmental values and local water quality guidelines. This is the time to invite stakeholders who are involved in natural resource management to contribute information and expertise to assist with compilation of the background information. The background information can be used to provide a starting point for determining draft high ecological value waterways and waterbodies, and setting the scene for stakeholder and community consultation.